United States President-elect Donald Trump has drawn attention with his latest remarks on Canada, referring to its Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of a state rather than the leader of the United States’ northern neighbour.
The comment came as Trump continues to provoke discussions on trade and the potential redefinition of relations with Canada.
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly after midnight on Tuesday. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”
The remarks follow reports from Fox News claiming Trump suggested, during recent discussions with Trudeau in Florida, that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state if it could not endure a 25% tariff on Canadian imports—a measure Trump has threatened to impose after taking office in January.
The report also highlighted Trump’s assertion that integrating Canada into the U.S. would resolve disputes on trade and migration. While this notion has historically been treated as a joke, Trump’s penchant for provocative and unorthodox statements has left many wondering whether his comments were serious or rhetorical.
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated ideas about territorial expansion. During his first term, he famously discussed buying Greenland from Denmark, sparking both intrigue and ridicule.
“Why are we subsidising these countries?” Trump asked in a televised interview aired on NBC Sunday, referencing Canada and Mexico. “If we’re going to subsidise them, let them become a state.”
Trump and Trudeau met recently at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for a dinner that was reportedly focused on trade and tariffs. While their public statements painted a picture of cordiality, Trump’s behind-the-scenes remarks and policy threats suggest underlying tension.
After the dinner, Trump described the meeting as “very productive,” while Trudeau said they had an “excellent conversation.”
However, Trump has long criticised Canada and Mexico, accusing them of insufficient efforts to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking into the U.S. He has also targeted their participation in the trilateral United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, despite its role as the cornerstone of North American trade.
Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports could have far-reaching economic consequences for both countries, particularly given their close trade ties. Observers note that his comments may be a negotiation tactic to extract concessions from Canada, but the idea of statehood underscores Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy and governance.
For Trudeau, balancing a working relationship with Trump while managing domestic reactions to the president-elect’s rhetoric remains a significant challenge. Public sentiment in Canada has historically been resistant to any notion of political union with the U.S., making Trump’s comments unlikely to gain traction beyond media headlines.
