Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Photo: Justin Trudeau X.
During a personal meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, new US President-elect Donald Trump proposed a radical solution to resolve economic and border disputes – turning Canada into the 51st state of the United States. This was reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing Fox News.
Criticism of Canada’s economic policy
The dispute arose after Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. He justified his intentions by claiming that Canada allegedly allows an uncontrolled flow of drugs and illegal immigrants across the northern border of the United States. In addition, the American leader expressed concern about the huge trade deficit, which, according to him, exceeds $100 billion.
In response to Trudeau’s statement that such tariffs could “kill the Canadian economy”, Trump, with his usual bluntness, asked: “So your country can’t survive without robbing the United States of $100 billion?”
A shocking proposal: “Become the 51st state”
During the dinner, which began with a discussion of tariffs and the trade deficit, Trump said that if Canada cannot resolve trade and border security issues, it should consider joining the US as the 51st state.
Sources say that this comment prompted nervous laughter from Trudeau and those at the table. Trump added that Trudeau would still be able to remain in office as governor of the newly formed state, although the title of prime minister sounds “more elegant”.
Is Canada one state or two?
During the discussion, one of the guests remarked that Canada was too liberal for the United States, which caused more jokes. In response, Trump suggested that Canada could even become two states: conservative and liberal.
The atmosphere of the negotiations
Although the conversation lasted almost three hours, the outcome was described as “friendly and positive”. Trudeau and his team left Mar-a-Lago calling the talks productive, but without any mention of Canada joining the United States.
The sources added that Trump expects Canada to make concrete decisions by 20 January, while his team and Trudeau’s office declined to comment immediately on the developments.
