The newly elected U.S. President, Donald Trump, described Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of Canada. Trump stated, “If Canada becomes our 51st state, their taxes will drop by more than 60%, and their economy will double instantly.”
What’s the Story?
Trump’s remarks come just hours after his pledge to take control of the Panama Canal and his suggestion that Greenland should be acquired for U.S. national security, global freedom, and to safeguard Washington’s interests.
Recent Developments
A recent poll conducted by the Léger Institute revealed that 13% of Canadians would favor their country becoming a U.S. state.
Trump first mentioned the “51st state” idea during a dinner with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the end of November.
These statements were met with outrage by Canadian political elites, who viewed them as either humiliating or outright threats from their American neighbor.
Canadian Concerns Mount
These remarks have heightened Canadian anxieties, especially as the country faces political turbulence. The sudden resignation of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, stemming from disputes over how to handle an impending economic crisis with the U.S., has only deepened concerns.
Trump further stoked the flames by posting an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform. The image depicted him standing atop the Canadian Rockies, alongside the Canadian flag, with the caption, “Oh, Canada.”
The Bigger Picture
Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S., calling it a necessary step to pressure Canada into taking tougher action against drug trafficking across their shared border.
He emphasized that these tariffs would remain in place until Canada “completely resolves the problem” by implementing stricter measures to curb the flow of drugs and illegal migrants into the U.S.
According to Trump, Canada has the capacity to “easily” address these issues with decisive actions.
Canada’s Response
Last week, Trudeau’s government announced a $900 million USD initiative over six years to strengthen border security. The funds are allocated for purchasing drones, helicopters, surveillance towers, and additional security personnel.
Not Just Canada
Trump also criticized the “unfair tariffs” imposed on American ships passing through the Panama Canal. He indirectly referenced China’s growing influence around the canal, which remains a vital trade route for American businesses navigating between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
As for Greenland, Trump’s comments revived memories of his 2019 proposal during his first presidency to purchase the resource-rich island. Back then, he referred to it as “a great real estate deal with strategic significance,” sparking a diplomatic spat with Denmark.
Adding to the controversy, Eric Trump, one of the president’s sons, caused a stir on social media by sharing a digitally altered image of Donald Trump purchasing Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal on Amazon.
What’s Next?
While the world isn’t likely to see Canada becoming the 51st state or an American takeover of Panama anytime soon, Trump’s comments appear to be aimed at extracting greater concessions from Canada on border security, preferential transit fees from Panama, and assurances that China does not control the canal. As for Greenland, the territory has repeatedly stated that it is not for sale, making such a deal unlikely.
