North America: Trump Links Trudeau’s Resignation To Trade Tensions, Repeats Call For Canada To Join US As 51st State

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign is linked to escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The United States can no longer suffer the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned.”

Trudeau announced on Monday (6 January) that he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister once a new leader is chosen. A date for the leadership race has yet to be set, and Parliament has been suspended until 24 March.

Trump also reiterated his controversial suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. “No tariffs, lower taxes, and more security,” he claimed, adding, “Together, what a great nation it would be!”

This is not the first time Trump has taken jabs at Trudeau. Since winning the US presidential election in November, he has referred to the Canadian leader as a “governor” and suggested that Canada should integrate with the US.

Laura Dawson, a Canadian-US relations expert and executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying, “Trump will take credit for anything and spin it into an opportunity to make himself look better.”

Experts, however, warn that Trudeau’s resignation could exacerbate tensions between the two countries. Fen Osler Hampson, a professor of international affairs at Carleton University, expressed concerns about Trump’s threats to impose steep tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

“The country is staring down the barrel of a gun" with the proposed 25 per cent tariffs, Hampson said. He emphasised the need for a unified Canadian response to the looming trade challenges, asking, “Who speaks for Canada?”