GUWAHATI: In an unexpected twist during trade talks, US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly suggested that Canada could become the 51st state if it failed to resolve ongoing trade and border issues. The remark was made during a recent meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort, according to media reports on December 3.
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Trudeau’s visit, arranged in response to Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, sought to address concerns over alleged shortcomings in controlling illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the US. The proposed tariffs, which also targeted Mexico, were framed by Trump as essential measures to rectify trade deficits and enhance border security.
Describing the discussions as “very productive,” Trump emphasised the need for substantial policy changes before his inauguration on January 20. While the talks centered on trade imbalances, border concerns, and tariff threats, Trump’s suggestion about Canada’s potential statehood caught attendees off guard.
Trudeau reportedly cautioned that the tariffs would severely harm Canada’s economy. In response, Trump questioned whether Canada’s economy was overly reliant on its alleged $100 billion trade surplus with the US. He then quipped that Canada could consider joining the US as a state if it couldn’t meet his demands, even humorously offering Trudeau a governorship in such a scenario.
The lighthearted remark elicited nervous laughter but was not formally addressed during or after the meeting. Canadian officials described the three-hour session as “friendly and positive” but refrained from commenting on the statehood suggestion.
Neither Trump’s nor Trudeau’s offices have released official statements regarding the exchange, leaving the quip as an unusual footnote in an otherwise critical discussion on trade and diplomacy.
