Donald Trump is once again suggesting Canada should become part of the United States, reviving the idea of making the country the “51st state.”
During a press conference Tuesday, the President-Elect described the border between the two nations as an “artificially drawn line,” claiming it costs the U.S. over $200 billion annually to protect Canada without receiving adequate benefits in return.
When asked if he might consider military action, similar to suggestions he’s made regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal, Trump did not directly answer but said he’s open to using economic force, emphasizing that having Canada as a state would be better for national security.
Trump first floated the idea in November and has since referred to Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau” instead of “Prime Minister.”
Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not mince words in his response. Posting on social media, Trudeau said, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
