DWN - Trudeau: Trump's Threats to Annex Canada Is a Distrcation from Tariffs

Trump’s Threat to Make Canada the 51st State: A Distraction from Tariff Fallout, Trudeau Says

Donald Trump’s comments about turning Canada into the 51st state have sparked backlash, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls them a distraction from looming tariffs. A Leger survey shows that 13% of Canadians support the idea of merging with the U.S.

Digital Worldwide News

January 10, 2025

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President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a conference in Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, FL

President-elect Donald Trump's recent suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state has sparked significant controversy. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the idea, stating it is "not going to happen" and labeling it a distraction from proposed tariffs.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports unless Canada enhances border security. Trudeau warns that such tariffs would increase costs for American consumers and has indicated that Canada would retaliate with countermeasures if necessary.

The Canadian public and political leaders have largely rejected the notion of becoming part of the United States. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated, "Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country."

Opinion polls reflect this sentiment, with a Leger survey showing only 13% of Canadians support the idea of merging with the U.S., while 82% are opposed.

Here’s how leading news outlets are reporting on this story:

NDTV: “Justin Trudeau Responds to Donald Trump’s Canada 51st State Governor Jibes”

According to NDTV, Trudeau dismissed Trump’s comments as provocative and unrealistic. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that the remarks undermine the cooperative spirit traditionally shared by the US and Canada.

NDTV highlighted Trudeau’s focus on the potential fallout from Trump’s tariffs. The article explored how these tariffs could affect vital Canadian industries, such as oil and lumber, while straining cross-border relations.

CNN: “Trudeau Responds to Trump Needling Him About Annexing Canada”

CNN reported on Trudeau’s interview with Jake Tapper, where he addressed the annexation comments directly. Trudeau called the idea a distraction from the real economic threats posed by Trump’s tariff plans.

The network delved into the broader implications of the tariffs, including their potential to increase costs for American consumers and disrupt North American supply chains. It also noted Trudeau’s reaffirmation of Canadian pride and independence.

The Guardian: “Trudeau: Trump Threatened to Annex Canada to Distract from Tariffs Impact”

The Guardian analyzed the geopolitical implications of Trump’s remarks, framing them as a calculated political move. The article explored how such comments could exacerbate tensions ahead of Canada’s federal elections.

The Guardian also discussed the historical context, drawing parallels to past US-Canada relations and emphasizing the importance of maintaining mutual respect and economic cooperation.

India Today: Give California to Canada: Trudeau opens up on his counter-offer to Trump”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed a humorous exchange with President-elect Donald Trump about the idea of the U.S. taking over Canada. Speaking to MSNBC, Trudeau recounted jokingly suggesting that if Trump wanted Canada, he should offer Vermont or California in exchange.

Trudeau added that his light-hearted comment did not amuse Trump, who seemed unimpressed by the suggestion. The conversation highlighted their differing perspectives during discussions late last year.

Social Media

On social media platforms, users have expressed a range of opinions regarding Trump's comments and Trudeau's response. On X (formerly Twitter), user @Bradley Bazinet tweeted, "People who are taking Trumps troll of Canada and its annexation seriously should get their heads checked. This is how he negotiates."

On Facebook, a user named Dave Heath commented, " ...Ideas that President Trump has come up with in the past that may have sounded irrational at the time, have proven to be visionary and the right way to go for all concerned in the future. "