In a bold and controversial move, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump renewed his proposition to make Canada the 51st state of the United States just hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday.
Trudeau, 53, stepped down as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party amid mounting unpopularity and internal party pressure, though he will remain as prime minister until his party selects a new leader. The announcement comes as Canada gears up for general elections later this year.
Trump, 78, who has frequently clashed with Trudeau in the past, reignited his decades-old idea of merging Canada with the U.S. In a Truth Social post, he claimed the move would eliminate trade deficits and bolster Canada’s security.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump wrote. “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 also touted the economic and security benefits of such a union, adding, “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
The suggestion has so far elicited little official response from Canadian authorities.
Trump has floated the idea several times since his November 2024 electoral victory, including during a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the election. In his posts, he has frequently taken jabs at Trudeau, mockingly referring to him as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada.”
Adding pressure to his proposal, Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports unless stricter measures are implemented to curb the flow of illicit drugs and illegal migrants into the U.S.
While Canadians and political leaders have largely dismissed Trump’s comments as rhetoric, his remarks have drawn attention on both sides of the border. As Trudeau’s resignation creates a leadership vacuum, the future of U.S.-Canada relations may be poised for a contentious and unpredictable chapter.
