Trump reignites tensions with Canada over 51st state comments

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Canada by sharing a map on Truth Social Tuesday that portrayed the northern neighbor as part of the United States. The move follows Trump’s repeated assertions about making Canada the “51st state” since his November election victory.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump wrote in his post. “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.”

The controversial remarks came just a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, citing internal struggles within the Liberal Party and declining public approval ratings.

In a bolder step, Trump floated the idea of a full merger between the U.S. and Canada, framing it as a mutually beneficial economic and security strategy. “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 the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them,” he claimed. “What a great Nation it would be!!!”

The proposal was met with swift rejection from Trudeau. “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” Trudeau declared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.”

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly echoed Trudeau’s sentiments, calling Trump’s comments a “complete lack of understanding” of Canada’s strength and independence. “Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats,” Joly posted on X.

Trump’s statements have sparked heated debates in both countries, with critics accusing him of undermining diplomatic relations and Canadian leaders defending the nation’s sovereignty. As the president-elect prepares for his inauguration, his rhetoric about Canada signals potential challenges ahead for cross-border relations.