**Donald Trump Repeats Offer to Make Canada the 51st State Following Trudeau’s Resignation**
President-elect Donald Trump responded to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement on Monday with a renewed offer to incorporate Canada as the United States’ 51st state.
"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," Trump posted on Truth Social. "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 went on to outline the benefits of a U.S.-Canada union, claiming it would eliminate tariffs, lower taxes, and secure Canada from constant threats by Russian and Chinese ships. “Together, what a great nation it would be!” he added enthusiastically.
According to *Fox News*, Trump had previously floated the idea during a meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago last month. Trump warned that if Canada did not resolve trade and border issues, he would impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods upon taking office. Trudeau reportedly argued that such a tariff would devastate Canada’s economy, prompting Trump to respond by asking if Canada’s survival depended on "ripping off" the U.S. for $100 billion.
Trump then half-jokingly suggested annexation, offering Trudeau the title of "governor" while allowing him to continue calling himself "prime minister." Sources described nervous laughter from Trudeau and his team during the exchange. Trump even proposed splitting Canada into two states — one liberal and one conservative — to balance political representation.
On Tuesday, Trump clarified that he had no intention of using military force but was open to employing "economic force" to unify the countries. "You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. It would be much better for national security," he said, citing $200 billion in U.S. subsidies protecting Canada, though he did not explain how he arrived at that figure.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party and the frontrunner to succeed Trudeau, dismissed Trump’s proposal outright. "Canada will never be the 51st state of the U.S.," Poilievre declared, positioning himself as a strong defender of Canadian sovereignty. He criticized Trudeau’s perceived inability to stand up to Trump, calling him a "total joke" and claiming Trudeau’s weakness contributed to his political downfall.
Trudeau’s handling of Trump’s comments about annexation further weakened his public image. While his public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, downplayed the remarks as "light-hearted," critics argued that Trudeau’s failure to push back more forcefully diminished his standing. Poilievre and other leadership contenders appear determined to be more prepared for Trump’s confrontational style in future dealings.