Canada could reap broad benefits by becoming the 51st U.S. state, President Donald Trump insisted Thursday, saying that by being part of the country, they would pay less taxes and have the military protection they lack.
From the Oval Office, the Republican president said that the nation led by Justin Trudeau — whom he referred to once again as governor — is a «serious contender» to join the North American country.
«Canada is a serious contender to become our st state. I have spoken with ‘Governor’ Trudeau on several occasions. They would pay significantly lower taxes and receive military protection Currently, they lack military protection, their citizens are in danger he said.
Trump made the comments at the White House after signing a memorandum to impose «reciprocal tariffs» on both allied and rival countries.
Trudeau attributes proposal to mineral resources
Last Friday, Justin Trudeau said that Donald Trump is serious about annexing Canada to access its natural resources and reiterated that his country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
«I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we possess, but that may be why continually discuss the of absorbing us and making us the 51st of the States,» said.
«They are very aware of our resources, of what we have, they want benefit from them,» he added. «Trump believes that of the easiest to achieve this is to absorb our country,» he added.
Trade Minister Anita Anand said Canada is determined to resist any U.S. expansionism.
Trump routinely refers to Canada as the «51st state» and Trudeau as «governor,» rather than prime minister.
In his remarks, Trudeau said Ottawa would continue to work to address Trump’s concerns about fentanyl and migrants, though Canada is not a significant contributor to any of those problems in the United States.
He emphasized that Canada must be ready for «a potentially more challenging-term political situation with the United States.»