US President Donald Trump has intensified his trade dispute with Canada by reaffirming his decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, alongside additional tariffs on energy products.
The latest measures, which also include 10% tariffs on energy imports from Canada, have sparked fresh concerns about a deepening trade war between the two nations. Trump had previously implemented similar tariffs on Mexican and Chinese imports.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on a range of US goods, warning that Trump’s policies could harm American businesses as well.
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Trudeau said Canada would impose tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) worth of US exports.
“We do not take this action lightly, but we must defend Canadian jobs and industries,” Trudeau said.
The trade war took an unexpected turn on Sunday when Trump posted a provocative statement on his social media platform, Truth Social.
“We pay hundreds of Billions of Dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There is no reason. We don’t need anything they have,” Trump wrote.
He went on to suggest that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, arguing that such a move would lower taxes and improve military protection for Canadians.
“Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true! Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada — AND NO TARIFFS!”
Trump’s comments are likely to further strain relations between Washington and Ottawa, which have been tense since he first imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada in 2018.
Trade experts warn that escalating tariffs could lead to economic disruption on both sides of the border, affecting industries such as automotive manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.
There has been no official response from the Canadian government regarding Trump’s remarks about statehood. However, opposition leaders in Canada have already dismissed the idea as unrealistic and provocative.