Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, has reignited his controversial suggestion for Canada to become the 51st state of the United States, citing potential tax cuts and enhanced military protection for Canadians.
In a Christmas message posted on his platform, Truth Social, Trump directed his remarks at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, claiming Canadians face excessively high taxes. He humorously proposed that by joining the U.S., Canadian taxes could be slashed by over 60%, and businesses would see unprecedented growth.
“Canada would be militarily protected like no other country anywhere in the world,” Trump added, reiterating his stance from a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago last month.
Trump further threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports if both nations fail to enhance border security and curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal migration into the U.S. His comments also included a call for Canada to meet the NATO defense spending target of 2% of GDP, which it currently falls short of.
The remarks have added pressure on Trudeau, who faces plummeting approval ratings ahead of next year’s federal elections. Trudeau’s government is reportedly considering increased border spending, as local media suggest.
Meanwhile, domestic criticism of Trudeau has intensified. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, has labeled Trudeau as unfit to navigate the challenges of a second Trump presidency. Trudeau’s deputy prime minister recently resigned, citing disagreements over political strategies to regain voter confidence.