Trump’s “51st State” Remark to Trudeau Sparks Debate During Trade Talks

In an unexpected twist during trade negotiations, US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Canada could become the 51st state if it fails to resolve border and trade issues. The comment was made during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort, according to Fox News.

The meeting followed Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, citing alleged failures to control illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States. The proposed tariffs also targeted Mexico and were described by Trump as essential for addressing trade deficits and border security.

While the discussion was labeled “very productive” by Trump, his remark about Canada’s statehood reportedly caught attendees off guard. Trump, seemingly in jest, suggested that Canada could join the US if it struggled to meet his demands, humorously proposing that Trudeau could serve as a governor in such a scenario.

Trudeau, who had warned that the tariffs could devastate Canada’s economy, reportedly responded with nervous laughter, as did others present. Canadian representatives later described the discussion as “very friendly and positive,” but refrained from addressing the statehood suggestion.

Neither Trump’s nor Trudeau’s offices have issued official statements regarding the remark, leaving it unclear whether it was intended as a serious proposition or simply a provocative joke. The exchange has nonetheless sparked conversation about the future of US-Canada relations under the Trump administration.