In a series of provocative statements, US President-elect Donald Trump suggested using ?economic force? to pressure Canada into becoming the 51st state of the United States. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump justified his position by highlighting US military assistance to Canada and perceived trade imbalances.

Trump's Statements on Canada

Trump claimed that the United States spends "hundreds of billions of dollars" to subsidize Canada while suffering trade deficits with its northern neighbor. He expressed frustration over Canadian trade practices, specifically mentioning cars and dairy products.

?We?ve been good neighbors, but we can?t do it forever,? Trump said, adding that US military support for Canada comes at a steep cost. He suggested that Canada?s absorption into the US could resolve these issues, calling the prospect ?really something.?

Trump also reiterated his intention to impose ?substantial tariffs? on goods from both Canada and Mexico to level the playing field.

Military Confrontations Not Ruled Out

When asked if he could rule out military action to gain control of territories like Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump provided a noncommittal response. ?I can?t assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic security.?

Canadian Response

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly rejected the notion of Canada becoming part of the US. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trudeau wrote, ?There isn?t a snowball?s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.?

Trump?s Broader Criticism of North American Neighbors

Trump did not limit his criticisms to Canada. He accused Mexico of exploiting the US in trade agreements and allowing drug cartels to destabilize the region.

?We have a massive deficit with Mexico, and they?re essentially run by the cartels,? Trump said. He vowed to announce measures to address these concerns in the near future.

Threats of Tariffs and Economic Pressure

Trump emphasized that he would adopt a tougher stance against Canada and Mexico in his second term. His threats include implementing new tariffs if these countries do not address US concerns, such as trade imbalances, migrant flows, and the illegal drug trade.

The Bigger Picture

While Trump's rhetoric has often been bold, this latest proposal to incorporate Canada as a US state underscores his unconventional approach to foreign policy and trade. The suggestion is unlikely to gain traction, given the strong resistance from Canadian leadership and the legal, political, and logistical challenges such a move would entail.