In a social media post on Tuesday, US President-elect Donald Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the "Governor" of the "Great State of Canada," sparking controversy as tensions between the two leaders escalate over trade and tariffs.

"It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!" Trump said on Truth Social.

The remark, which appears to dismiss Canada’s sovereignty, comes just days after Trudeau vowed a firm response if Trump follows through on his threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.

Tariff Tensions

The tariffs, which Trump has linked to issues of illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the US, have raised alarm in Ottawa about the potential impact on the Canadian economy.

"Let’s not kid ourselves," Trudeau said Monday, "25 per cent tariffs on everything going to the United States would be devastating for the Canadian economy," and would mean "real hardship for Americans as well."

Canada's argument will partly be that tariffs drive up the cost of Canadian goods exported to the US "The other aspect," he added, "is that we will, as we did eight years ago, take measures to respond to unjust tariffs in various ways."

"We’re still looking at the right ways to respond. But our responses to the unfair steel and aluminum tariffs were what ended up lifting those tariffs last time," he said.

Read more: Canada-US-Mexico treaty allows region to compete with China: Mexico

The tensions were further fueled by comments made during a  November meeting between the two leaders.

According to sources, Trump jokingly suggested that Canada would be better off as the 51st US state if its economy could not handle the pressure of US tariffs. While the remark was reportedly made in jest, it has added to the unease surrounding Trump’s approach to US-Canada relations.