Trump told Trudeau Canada should become 51st US state amid tariffs row
3 Min Read
Trump went on to remark that while "prime minister" is a prestigious title, Trudeau could still serve as governor of a new US state.
-
US President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO round table meeting at The Grove Hotel and Resort in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, December 4, 2019 (AP)
US President-elect Donald Trump suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that if tariffs meant to address trade and immigration issues would devastate Canada’s economy, perhaps the country should consider becoming the 51st US state, Fox News reported, citing sources.
Trudeau traveled unannounced to Mar-a-Lago last Friday after Trump threatened to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products, citing their failure to curb the flow of illegal immigrants and illicit drugs into the United States.
Details of the meeting, which Trump described as "very productive", have begun to emerge. Prior to a dinner, the discussion centered on tariffs, border security, and trade deficits.
According to two sources who attended the dinner, Trump, while cordial, directly criticized Canada’s handling of border security and trade. He accused the country of failing to prevent the influx of illegal drugs and migrants, including individuals from over 70 countries, across the US border.
He also claimed the US trade deficit with Canada exceeds $100 billion, a figure he emphasized during the discussion.
Trump reportedly warned Trudeau that if these issues were not addressed, he would impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods on his first day back in office, to which the Canadian premier responded by stating that such a tariff would devastate the Canadian economy.
In response, Trump allegedly asked whether Canada’s survival depended on what he characterized as "ripping off" the US to the tune of $100 billion.
The sources claim Trump then suggested that Canada should consider becoming the 51st US state, which drew nervous laughter from Trudeau and others at the table.
Trump went on to remark that while "prime minister" is a prestigious title, Trudeau could still serve as governor of a new US state.
One attendee joked that Canada would likely become a liberal-leaning state, prompting Trump to suggest dividing Canada into two states—one conservative and one liberal.
Although the discussion included moments of light-heartedness, sources say Trump made it clear he expects significant changes by January 20.
The nearly three-hour meeting concluded on what Canadian officials described as a very "friendly and positive" note, with no formal mention of statehood.
Read more: Canada announces new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, metals
