Trump is hitting the ground running and brining everyone to heel.
In a candid meeting last week, President-elect Donald Trump proposed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that, if Canada couldn’t resolve its trade imbalances and border security issues, perhaps it should consider becoming the 51st state. This suggestion came after Trump warned Trudeau about the possibility of significant tariffs on Canadian goods if those problems were not addressed.
The meeting, which took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, was prompted by the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Trump has made it clear that he expects both Canada and Mexico to take stronger action on border security and the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. He has specifically threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, a move that could have devastating economic consequences for Canada, which relies heavily on trade with the U.S.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump did not mince words. He expressed his frustration with Canada’s lax border controls, which he argued have allowed illegal immigration and drug trafficking from as many as 70 countries to enter the U.S. Unapologetic in his approach, Trump also criticized the U.S.-Canada trade relationship, estimating the trade deficit at more than $100 billion. “If you can’t solve these problems,” Trump reportedly told Trudeau, “then I’m going to impose tariffs on day one of my administration.”
Trudeau, visibly concerned, responded by saying that such tariffs could decimate Canada’s economy. Trump, in characteristic fashion, shot back: “So, your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. for $100 billion?”
The conversation then took a humorous turn. Trump, never one to shy away from bold ideas, suggested that if Canada couldn’t manage its economic and immigration problems, it might as well become the 51st state. Trudeau and the other attendees reportedly laughed nervously at the comment, but Trump pressed on, joking that Trudeau could keep his title as prime minister—just as the governor of a new U.S. state.
Sources say the dinner, while lighthearted at times, was serious in its substance. Trump made it clear that if Canada continued to fail to address these critical issues, he would push for significant changes come January 20th. Despite the playful moments, the underlying message was clear: Canada needed to take responsibility for its actions, or face serious consequences.
At the end of the nearly three-hour meeting, Trudeau and his delegation described the conversation as “very friendly and very positive,” though no one addressed the notion of Canada becoming a state. Still, the exchange underscored the president-elect’s no-nonsense approach to diplomacy and trade—one that puts America first.