In a dramatic series of developments, President-elect Donald Trump on Monday renewed his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, just hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump also claimed that a merger between the two nations would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and bolster Canada’s security against perceived threats from Russia and China. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” he added.
According to sources, Trump previously floated the idea of Canadian statehood during a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago in late November. Trudeau’s unannounced visit followed Trump’s threat to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian products, citing failures by Canada and Mexico to curb illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.
In a Truth Social post following the meeting, Trump hinted at the topics discussed, including immigration, the fentanyl crisis, and the U.S. trade deficit with Canada. “We discussed many important topics that will require both countries to work together to address, like the fentanyl and drug crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of illegal immigration, fair trade deals that do not jeopardize American workers, and the massive trade deficit the U.S. has with Canada,” Trump wrote.
Earlier Monday, Trudeau announced his resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, citing internal party struggles and a need for fresh leadership ahead of the next election.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process,” Trudeau said during a televised address. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Trudeau, who has led Canada for nearly a decade, has faced mounting challenges, including a sharp decline in his approval ratings due to frustrations over inflation and the rising cost of living.
While Trump’s suggestion of merging Canada into the United States has sparked debate, it remains unclear whether his administration would pursue such a bold and unconventional proposal. Trudeau’s resignation adds further uncertainty to the future of U.S.-Canada relations.
The long-time prime minister saw an increase in calls for his resignation — from at least seven Liberal Members of Parliament as well as opposition party leaders — following the abrupt departure of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, who wrote a scathing letter of resignation mentioning Trudeau’s handling of certain economic policies as well as the threats levied by Trump.
