President-elect Trump reportedly suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that if a tariff for failing to address trade and immigration issues would kill Canada’s economy, perhaps it should become the 51st state. Trudeau flew to Mar-a-Lago last week after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian products due to failures in curbing illegal immigration and drugs. Details of the meeting are beginning to emerge, with discussions revolving around tariffs, border security, and trade deficits. Trump was direct with Trudeau, stating that Canada has allowed large amounts of drugs and people across the border, and the U.S. trade deficit with Canada is estimated to be over $100 billion.
During the meeting, Trump informed Trudeau that if Canada cannot address the border issues and trade deficit, he will impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods on day one of his return to office. Trudeau countered by stating that such a tariff would destroy the Canadian economy. Trump then suggested that Canada become the 51st state, with Trudeau possibly becoming the governor of the new state. He joked about Canada potentially becoming two states – a conservative one and a liberal one. Trump made it clear that he expects changes to be made by January 20, despite the laughter that ensued during the discussion about Canada’s possible statehood.
The conversation between Trump and Trudeau continued for nearly three hours covering various other topics besides the suggestion of Canada becoming a state. Canadian guests described the dinner as very friendly and positive, though no official mention was made about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state. Neither the Trump camp nor Trudeau’s team immediately responded to requests for comments about the statements made during the meeting. Trump’s directness and suggestions regarding Canada’s statehood added an interesting dimension to the already strained relationship between the two countries.
The meeting between Trump and Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago covered a range of issues including tariffs, border security, and trade deficits. Trump was direct with Trudeau about his expectations for addressing issues such as illegal immigration and drugs flowing into the U.S. from Canada, as well as the significant trade deficit between the two nations. Trump warned that if Canada does not make changes, he will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods on day one of his return to office. The suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st state, while met with laughter, highlighted the seriousness of Trump’s demands for change.
Despite the light-heartedness of the suggestion of Canada becoming a state, Trump made it clear that he expects significant changes to be made by January 20. The suggestion that Canada could potentially become two states – a conservative one and a liberal one – added a unique twist to the conversation. While the meeting was described as friendly and positive by Canadian guests, it remains to be seen how Trudeau will respond to Trump’s demands. The suggestion of Canada becoming a state reflects the complex relationship between the U.S. and its neighbor to the north, and the challenges that lie ahead in addressing issues related to trade and immigration.
