US President-elect Donald Trump reignited controversy on Monday by proposing a merger between Canada and the United States, just hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.
“Many in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The U.S. cannot continue enduring massive trade deficits and subsidies keeping Canada afloat. Trudeau understood this and resigned,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trudeau’s resignation, prompted by internal party dissatisfaction and low public approval ratings, has cast doubts on his ability to fend off a resurgent Conservative opposition in the next election.
Trump claimed a U.S.-Canada merger would eliminate trade barriers, slash taxes for Canadians, and enhance security against Russian and Chinese threats. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would drop significantly, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE,” he added, calling it a "great nation."
Since his November victory, Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as the "51st state" and previously threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian imports.
