SHAH ALAM – United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump has reignited discussions on the proposal advocating for the merger of Canada and the US, shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to reiterate his long standing belief in the potential advantages of Canada joining the US as its "51st state."
His comments come amid a period of political turmoil in Canada, following Trudeau’s announcement to resign after nearly ten years in office.
"If Canada merged with the US, there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them.
"Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!," Trump wrote on Jan 6.
The President-elect implied that many Canadians might favour the merger, citing potential economic and security advantages.
He also suggested that Trudeau’s resignation highlighted Canada’s economic difficulties, noting that the US could no longer tolerate the significant trade deficits and subsidies Canada relied on.
According to international media The Times of India, Trudeau announced his resignation due to rising public dissatisfaction and pressure within his party.
With declining approval ratings and increasing opposition from the Conservatives, he confirmed he would stay in office until a successor was chosen.
Previously, Trump suggested a merger between Canada and the US, both privately with Trudeau and publicly.
His latest comments have generated discussions but have not received an official response from Canadian officials.
Trump’s revival of the merger idea coincided with ongoing tensions between the two countries over trade relations.
In recent weeks, the President-elect has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on Canadian imports, a move that could exacerbate already strained economic ties.
As Canada navigated its political future in the wake of Trudeau’s resignation, Trump’s remarks added a controversial layer to the discourse on bilateral relations.
Whether Trump's proposal gained serious consideration or faded into rhetorical history remains to be seen.