Early this morning, President-elect Donald Trump made waves with a statement on Truth Social, reiterating his dissatisfaction with the United States’ financial relationship with Canada.
Trump criticized the U.S. for “subsidizing Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year” and repeated his suggestion that Canada join the United States as the 51st state.
“Makes no sense!” Trump wrote. “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada following Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico.
The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader response to what he describes as an “illegal alien invasion” and the influx of fentanyl into the United States.
“On January 20th, as one of my first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on ALL products coming into the United States,” Trump posted last month on Truth Social. “This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, particularly fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacted swiftly to the announcement, traveling to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, for an emergency meeting last Friday. Trump described their discussion as “productive,” though the details of their talks remain largely undisclosed.
According to Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, Trump reportedly joked during the meeting that if Canada’s economy cannot sustain itself without U.S. subsidies—estimated by Trump at $100 billion annually—then perhaps Canada should join the United States.
“We’re told that when Trudeau warned President-elect Trump that new tariffs would devastate Canada’s economy, Trump quipped that if Canada can’t survive without ripping off the U.S., maybe it should become the 51st state. He even suggested Trudeau could become its governor,” Doocy reported.
While Trudeau and his Cabinet initially dismissed Trump’s comments as “teasing,” Trump’s repeated references to the idea on Truth Social have raised eyebrows.
He even posted an AI-generated image of himself standing atop Canada’s mountainous terrain beside a hypothetical 51st state flag, captioned “Oh Canada!”
In response, Trudeau has taken a defensive stance, framing Trump’s rhetoric as part of a broader attack on progressive values. The Canadian Prime Minister recently declared himself a “proud feminist” and accused Trump and his supporters of being a threat to women’s rights.
“Regressive forces are taking hold across America,” Trudeau said, in a clear swipe at Trump’s policies and base.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also weighed in, threatening to cut off fuel exports to the U.S. if the tariffs are implemented. However, given that more than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the United States, many analysts believe such a move would hurt Canada more than it would the U.S.
Trump’s comments and his tariff strategy are seen by many as part of his signature negotiation tactics. His approach, however, has sparked criticism and uncertainty on both sides of the border.
Frank Gamrat, an economic policy analyst, noted that Trump’s strong-arm approach could lead to concessions from Canada, but at the risk of straining diplomatic relations. “Trump is playing a high-stakes game here. If Canada doesn’t play along, who knows what kind of deal he’ll come up with next?”
Whether Trump’s rhetoric is a genuine policy proposal or a negotiation tactic remains unclear. However, his remarks have once again thrust U.S.-Canada relations into the spotlight, with potential implications for trade, diplomacy, and regional stability.