Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Donald Trump's recent comments about turning Canada into the United States' 51st state, asserting that such a scenario is "not going to happen." Speaking at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto, Trudeau described the suggestion as a distraction from Trump's tariff threats. The comments were inadvertently picked up by an open microphone and reported by the Toronto Star.
Trudeau emphasized Canada's distinct identity, highlighting that Canadians define themselves by being "not American." This statement came amid rising tensions following Trump's announcement of a new 25% duty on most Canadian goods imported into the U.S. Trudeau's remarks aimed to reassure Canadian business leaders that their country's sovereignty remains intact despite the provocative rhetoric from the U.S. President.
"Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on…," – Justin Trudeau
Trudeau criticized Trump's negotiation tactics, suggesting that the annexation talk serves to divert attention from the significant economic impact of the newly imposed tariffs. These tariffs cover essential commodities such as oil, gas, electricity, steel, aluminum, lumber, and concrete.
"President Trump, who is a very skillful negotiator, is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that, by that conversation, to take away from the conversation around 25% tariffs on oil and gas and electricity and steel and aluminum and lumber and concrete," – Justin Trudeau
In response to the escalating trade tensions, Trudeau made commitments to enhance security at Canada's border following a call with Trump. He confirmed the implementation of a $1.3 billion border plan and announced the appointment of a "fentanyl czar" to tackle drug trafficking issues. Additionally, Trudeau pledged to list cartels as terrorists, actions which led Trump to pause the proposed tariffs for at least a month.
"Canadians are incredibly proud of being Canadian. One of the ways we define ourselves most easily is, well, we’re not American," – Justin Trudeau
Two Canadian business leaders present at the summit confirmed Trudeau's comments regarding Trump's annexation threat. After delivering his opening address, Trudeau's conversation with Trump was also captured on audio by CBC News, further validating his statements.
