US President-elect Donald Trump wasted no time responding to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation, bringing up his long-standing suggestion that Canada should join the United States as the “51st state.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump proposed that many Canadians would welcome the idea, citing the economic benefits of merging with the US. “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. He continued, claiming that such a merger would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and ensure Canada’s security against threats from Russia and China. “Together, what a great nation it would be!!!”
This is not the first time Trump has floated the idea of Canada becoming part of the US. During a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort with Trudeau, Trump suggested that if Canada’s economy were to collapse under US tariffs, it could merge with the US with Trudeau as its “governor.” Trudeau reportedly responded that such tariffs would harm Canada’s economy.
Trump’s comments also revisited his previous suggestions about Canada’s political future, including a December post joking that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky could run for Prime Minister—or even serve as Canada’s “governor.” Trump has long criticized Canada’s trade practices, particularly its trade deficit with the U.S. and the country’s handling of migrant issues.
The resignation of Trudeau, who has faced months of slumping poll numbers and internal party division, marks the end of his tenure after nearly a decade in power. Trudeau announced he would step down once the Liberal Party selects a new leader, leaving him as a caretaker prime minister until then.
While Trump’s suggestion may seem tongue-in-cheek, it reflects a more serious underlying criticism of Canada’s economic policies and the strain in US-Canada relations. Trump had previously threatened a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports if they did not take stronger action to curb migration and prevent fentanyl from entering the US. His comments on Trudeau’s resignation seem to underline his belief that Canada’s economic and political troubles may leave it vulnerable to deeper integration with the US.
