Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation with that Canada merge with the United States. Trump made this proposal in a post on his Truth Social platform, arguing that many Canadians would welcome becoming the 51st state.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump said. “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 continued, “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!!!”
Trudeau’s resignation has sparked concerns about how the Canadian government will navigate negotiations with the incoming Trump administration, particularly given Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports on his first day in office. Trudeau will remain as prime minister until his successor is chosen, but his resignation has significantly diminished his influence, according to David MacNaughton, Canada’s ambassador to the US.
“The reality is, today you announce you’re stepping down, your power, your influence dissipates almost immediately,” MacNaughton told CBC News. He believes Trudeau should have made this move months ago to prepare the government for Trump’s potential return to the White House. “We’re going to have a few months of uncertainty right now… and in the meantime, Trump is feeling pretty cocky these days.”
Xavier Delgado, senior program associate with the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute in Washington, agrees that Trudeau’s resignation leaves Canada vulnerable to Trump’s plans. “It’s a remarkable time for the prime minister to be announcing that he’s stepping down,” Delgado said. “Within the context of Canada-US relations, it really does not make a lot of sense.”
