President-elect Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Canada on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, suggesting the nation should become America’s 51st state while threatening massive tariffs that have already contributed to a major political shake-up in Ottawa.

In an early morning social media post, Trump wrote: “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to over $100,000,000 a year. Makes no sense!” He added: “Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” 

The comments followed a recent meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Trudeau warned that Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods would devastate Canada’s economy. In response, Trump suggested Canada could become “two states, a conservative one and a liberal one,” with Trudeau serving as governor. 

The political fallout in Canada has been swift and severe. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau of being ill-prepared to deal with what she termed a “coming tariff war.” In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau for engaging in “costly political gimmicks” instead of focusing on countering the tariff threat. 

Trump has threatened to sign an executive order on January 20, 2024, imposing the 25% tariff on all products from both Canada and Mexico unless the countries address what he describes as insufficient border security and drug trafficking concerns. 

Canadian officials have attempted to distance themselves from Mexico’s border issues, arguing that drug smuggling and unlawful crossings are significantly higher at the U.S.-Mexico border. This stance has created tension with Mexico, whose president has demanded respect from trading partners. 

Recent polls show that only 13% of Canadians support joining the United States as a state, with the majority firmly rejecting the proposal.

Canadian officials are already examining potential retaliatory measures in response to Trump’s tariff threats. Trudeau has held an emergency virtual meeting with provincial leaders to discuss forming a united front against the proposed tariffs. 

The crisis has led to calls for Trudeau to step down as leader of the Liberal Party, with opposition parties demanding a federal election. Political analysts suggest Trudeau may not survive as Canada’s prime minister through 2024.