Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that President Donald Trump’s talk of annexing Canada is not just a joke but a serious consideration. As trade tensions escalate between the two nations, Trump continues to push the idea that Canadians would benefit from U.S. statehood. Trudeau, however, has firmly rejected the notion, emphasizing Canada’s sovereignty.
Trudeau Caught on Hot Mic
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was recorded on a hot mic during a closed-door meeting, warning that President Donald Trump’s talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing.” The remarks, captured by The Toronto Star, suggest that Trump’s fixation on Canada’s vast mineral resources is a driving force behind his repeated references to making Canada the 51st state.
Trump’s Comments on Canada’s Statehood
Trump’s comments about Canada joining the U.S. date back to a dinner with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago last year. Initially dismissed as a joke, the rhetoric has intensified in recent months. Trump has repeatedly claimed that Canadians would benefit from statehood, citing lower taxes and better healthcare.
“The Canadian citizens, if that happened, would get a very big tax cut — a tremendous tax cut — because they are very highly taxed,” Trump said in January. “They’d have much better health coverage. I think the people of Canada would like it.”
Canadian Government’s Firm Rejection
Canadian officials have been quick to dismiss Trump’s claims. Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand stated, “There will be no messing with the 49th parallel.” Trudeau himself responded last month on X, saying, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Trade Tensions Fueling the Dispute
The annexation talk appears to be tied to a growing trade dispute between the two nations. Trump recently threatened new tariffs on Canadian imports, which nearly escalated into a full-scale trade war. Trudeau suggested that Trump’s statehood rhetoric might be a pressure tactic to gain leverage in trade negotiations.
Steve Bannon’s Take on Canada-U.S. Relations
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon added fuel to the fire by stating that Canada has no choice but to integrate further with the U.S. due to geopolitical pressures. In an interview with Canada’s Global News, Bannon argued, “Geo-strategically, you don’t really have an option [but to join the U.S.] if you want your sovereignty.”
Trudeau’s Call to Action
With about a month left in office, Trudeau is rallying Canadian business and labor leaders to strengthen national unity and prepare for long-term challenges in Canada-U.S. relations. At a summit in Toronto, he emphasized the need for strategic responses to Trump’s tariffs and broader economic policies.
“We are in a moment that we have to meet for Canadians… how we get through and thrive over the next four years and into what may be a more challenging long-term political situation with the United States,” Trudeau said.
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