Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unexpected resignation announcement on Monday has drawn an extraordinary response from incoming US President Donald Trump, who proposed merging the two nations into a single country, according to CBC News.
Trump took to Truth Social to respond to Trudeau's announcement with a bold proposition. "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 said in the post.
"If Canada merged with the US," Trump continued, "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!!!"
The timing of Trudeau's decision to step down as Liberal leader has raised concerns about Canada's position in handling imminent economic challenges, with Trump, who's set to take office in two weeks, threatening to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports on his first day as president.
When questioned about protecting Canadian interests during the transition, Trudeau emphasized his government's commitment. "The government and the cabinet will still be very much focused on doing the job Canadians elected us to do in 2021, which is fight for their interests, stand up for their well-being and make sure that Canadians ... are protected and strong," Trudeau said.
Laura Dawson, executive director of Future Borders Coalition, told CBC News the resignation "could not have come at a worse time for US-Canada relations," noting that with the government in a caretaker mode, the bilateral relationship "just can't afford to be put on hold like that."
