President-elect Trump continued his criticism of Canada early Wednesday, targeting U.S. subsidies to its northern neighbor and reiterating his claim that many Canadians allegedly wish for Canada to become the 51st state of the U.S.
On his social media platform, Trump posted: “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year?”
“Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on Taxes and military protection,” Trump added.
The post came amidst rising tensions between the U.S. and Canada over Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing unresolved trade and immigration concerns.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Mar-a-Lago in hopes of addressing the issue. According to Fox News, Trump became animated during discussions, pointing to what he claimed was a U.S. trade deficit with Canada exceeding $100 billion.
Trump reportedly suggested to Trudeau that if Canada’s economy would collapse under the weight of tariffs, the country might consider joining the U.S. as its 51st state.
Canada, deeply tied to the U.S. economy, has expressed growing alarm over the tariff threats. Roughly 60% of U.S. crude oil imports come from Canada, alongside 85% of electricity imports, Fox News reported.
Additionally, Canada serves as the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S., as well as a key provider of 34 critical minerals and metals sought after by the Pentagon.
Every day, goods and services worth approximately $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion U.S.) move across the shared border. Canada also holds the distinction of being the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.
The departure of a key ally like Freeland adds to Trudeau’s growing list of challenges. Although he sought to downplay her resignation, political analysts suggest it reveals deeper cracks within his government. The Prime Minister has already faced criticism for his approach to both domestic and international issues, and Freeland’s exit could further embolden his critics.
Meanwhile, Trump’s taunts inject an unusual external twist into Canada’s political unrest. For Trudeau, the priority now will be to steady his leadership while working to rebuild trust within his party and among the public.