Daijiworld Media Network - Ottawa
Ottawa, Jan 10: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a light-hearted yet revealing anecdote about his interactions with former US President Donald Trump, highlighting Trump’s interest in annexing Canada. During an MSNBC interview, Trudeau recounted his November visit to Mar-a-Lago, where the unusual topic of annexation arose.
Trudeau said, "It actually sort of came up at one point, and then we started musing back and forth about this... And when I started to suggest, 'Well, maybe there could be a trade for Vermont or California for certain parts,' he immediately decided that it was not that funny anymore, and we moved on to a different conversation."
Trudeau firmly rejected the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, stating on X, "There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States." He also emphasized Canada's distinct national pride, telling CNN, "One of the ways we define ourselves most easily is, well, we’re not American."
Tariff tensions and robust responses
The conversation between Trudeau and Trump followed Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. While Trump called their meeting ‘very productive,’ Trudeau expressed significant concerns about the potential economic fallout. He warned that Canada was prepared to deliver a "robust response" if the tariffs were enacted.
"My focus has to be not on something that he's talking about that will not ever happen but more on something that might well happen," Trudeau told MSNBC's Jen Psaki.
Trump's proposed blanket 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico were linked to the fentanyl crisis and slated as a priority for his second term. Trudeau described these threats as tactics to distract from the broader consequences of the proposed tariffs, calling Trump a ‘very skilful negotiator.’
Political fallout in Canada
The escalating tension over tariffs and annexation rhetoric prompted significant political fallout in Canada. Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of Canada’s Liberal Party amid criticism of his handling of Trump’s threats. Deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland had earlier resigned, citing concerns about Trudeau’s approach to the looming tariff crisis.
Despite the challenges, Trudeau remained steadfast in defending Canada’s sovereignty, underscoring the nation's distinct identity and readiness to face any external pressure.