‘Canada Should Become 51st State Of USA’: Trump After Trudeau Says 25% Tariff Would Kill Economy

Trump Jokes On Inclusion Of Canada In US

During the dinner, Trudeau reportedly told Trump that the new tariffs would “kill the Canadian economy".

On this, Trump responded by saying that maybe Canada should become the 51st state of the USA, Fox News reported citing sources.

According to the American news channel, the main focus of the discussions between the two leaders was on tariffs, border security, and trade deficits.

Trump was cordial and welcoming, but was “very direct" regarding what he wanted from Canada as a partner to the North of the US, Fox News reported citing two people at the table who heard the conversation.

Trump Talks Tough With Trudeau On Illegal Immigration

As the discussion progressed, Trump accused Trudeau of failing to secure the US-Canada border and that he allowed drugs and people, including illegal migrants from over 70 countries to cross into the US. The US President-elect grew more animated while speaking of the US trade deficit with Canada, which he claimed surpassed $100 billion.

Trump made it clear to Trudeau in no uncertain terms that if Canada cannot fix the border issues and trade deficit, he will levy a 25% tariff on all Canadian products on the first day of his office.

Trudeau, in response, said that Trump cannot levy the tariff as it would kill the Canadian economy.

“So your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion?" Trump replied, according to Fox News.

Trump then went on to suggest Trudeau that Canada become the 51st state of the USA, causing the Canadian Prime Minister to laugh nervously, Fox News reported citing sources.

Trump continued stating that Prime Minister is a better title, though he could still be governor of the 51st state.