In a lighthearted yet controversial remark, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. This came during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on November 29. The meeting followed Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada.

During the discussion, Trudeau expressed concerns about the economic impact of the tariffs on Canada. In response, Trump jokingly proposed that Canada could cease to be an independent nation and join the United States. According to a source, Trump quipped, “If Canada can’t survive without ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion a year, then maybe Canada should become the 51st state and Trudeau could become its governor.”

This is not the first time Trump has criticized Trudeau. In May 2018, Trump slammed the Canadian Prime Minister for his response to U.S. tariffs, calling him “dishonest” and “weak.” Following a G7 meeting, Trump tweeted about Trudeau’s statements on U.S. tariffs, accusing him of meekness and dishonesty. He stated, “PM Justin Trudeau acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that ‘U.S. tariffs were kind of insulting’ and he ‘will not be pushed around.’ Very dishonest and weak. Our tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!”

While Trump’s comments about making Canada a U.S. state were made in jest, they highlight ongoing tensions between the two nations over trade policies and tariffs. The incident underscores the complex relationship between the two leaders and their differing approaches to diplomacy and economic policy.