Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Canada and make it the 51st state is a “real thing,” citing America’s interest in Canada’s vast supply of critical minerals. The comments were made during a summit of business and labor leaders discussing Trump’s looming 25% tariff threat on all Canadian imports.
Trudeau’s remarks, initially made behind closed doors, were reportedly overheard by reporters via an audio feed outside the hall. “I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have, but that may be even why they keep talking about absorbing us and making us the 51st state,” Trudeau was quoted as saying by AFP.
“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those… But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country. And it is a real thing,” he added.
Canada Responds to Sovereignty Concerns
Trudeau also noted that Canada would continue working to address Trump’s concerns about fentanyl and migrants, despite Canada not being a major contributor to either issue. However, he cautioned that beyond the immediate tariff threat, Canada must prepare for “a more challenging long-term political situation with the United States.”
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In response to Trudeau’s comments, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne asserted, “No one can question the sovereignty of Canada. Our American friends understand that they need Canada for their economic, energy, and national security.”
Trade Minister Anita Anand echoed the sentiment, saying, “There will be no messing with the 49th parallel, period,” reinforcing Canada’s stance on maintaining its territorial integrity.
Trump’s Ongoing Trade Pressure
Earlier this week, Trump granted Canada a 30-day reprieve from the proposed tariffs, temporarily easing economic tensions. However, he continued to mock Canadian sovereignty, referring to the country as the “51st state” on social media and calling Trudeau “governor” instead of prime minister.
Trump has justified the tariffs as necessary to address trade deficits and pressure Canada on drug and migration issues, though analysts note that neither is a major concern along the U.S.-Canada border.
As tensions rise, Trudeau and his administration remain firm in defending Canadian independence while seeking diplomatic solutions to mitigate economic fallout from U.S. policies.
