Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation with a provocative suggestion on his Truth Social platform: a merger between Canada and the United States.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump wrote. “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.”
Trump further claimed, “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would drop significantly, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great nation it would be!”
Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal leader comes just two weeks before Trump is set to take office, reigniting concerns over his threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports on his first day as president.
Trudeau has stated he will remain as prime minister until his successor is chosen, leaving Canada with a transitional leader during a critical period in its trade relations with the U.S.
David MacNaughton, Canada’s former ambassador to the U.S., criticized Trudeau’s timing, saying, “Announcing your resignation now diminishes your power and influence immediately. This move should have been made months ago to prepare for Trump’s potential return to power.”
MacNaughton warned that Trudeau’s decision creates a period of uncertainty, leaving Canada vulnerable to Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
Xavier Delgado, a senior associate at the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, echoed these concerns. “This is a precarious moment for the prime minister to step down,” Delgado said. “In the context of Canada-U.S. relations, it seems ill-timed and could leave Canada exposed to economic challenges.”
Trudeau’s resignation has sparked questions about how Canada will navigate its relationship with the Trump administration, particularly as trade tensions loom.
