President-elect Donald Trump floated another far-fetched idea on Wednesday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a crucial political test amid a tumultuous period within his government. But Trump is continuing to fan the flames by mocking the Canadian leader and suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state of the U.S.
“No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” he wrote in a 3 a.m. post on Truth Social Wednesday morning.
Trump met with Trudeau last month in Mar-a-Lago after the president-elect announced his intention to impose a 25 percent tax on all Canadian products entering the U.S.
It would be a long shot bid to actually annex Canada, but it’s not the first time the president-elect has joked about a “51st state.” Sources told Fox News last month that Trump suggested that the U.S. could annex Canada after Trudeau cautioned that tariffs would hurt Canada’s economy.
As Trudeau faces calls to resign, Trump has taunted the prime minister by calling Canada a “state” and labeling Trudeau a “governor.” He also weighed in on the resignation of Canada’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, earlier this week, where he made another jab toward the prime minister.
“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trudeau has led the country for nearly a decade, but has become widely unpopular in recent years over a wide range of issues, including the high cost of living and rising inflation.
There is no mechanism for Trudeau’s party to force him out in the short-term. He could resign, or his party could be forced from power by a “no confidence” vote in Parliament that would trigger an election that would very likely favor the opposing Conservative Party.
If his party were to survive a vote in Parliament — which seems increasingly unlikely — Trudeau could choose to stay on as prime minister until there is an election.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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