Justin Trudeau resigns; Trump reignites proposal for Canada as 51st US state

Following the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has revived his contentious idea of merging Canada into the United States as its 51st state.

Trudeau, 53, announced his resignation under pressure from his Liberal Party, which has faced waning support ahead of the general elections later this year. He confirmed he would remain as prime minister until the party selects a new leader.

Trump, 78, who had a strained relationship with Trudeau during his first presidential term, has repeatedly hinted at the prospect of Canada joining the U.S. His proposal gained renewed attention after his meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago following Trump’s November 5 electoral win. Since then, he has mentioned the idea multiple times on social media.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. 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 posted on Truth Social.

Elaborating further, Trump added, “If Canada merged with the US, there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”

Trump’s remarks have yet to prompt significant reactions from Canadian officials. However, his suggestion adds fuel to an already complex relationship between the two nations.

Trump has also warned of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports if action is not taken to address illicit drug trafficking and illegal migration from Canada’s southern border. In several of his posts, Trump has even mockingly referred to Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada.”

While Trump’s comments have drawn attention, the feasibility of such a proposal remains dubious, with both political and public sentiment in Canada unlikely to support such a drastic move.