Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed President-elect Trump's suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st US state as a diversion from the looming threat of tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau, speaking on MSNBC, emphasized Canadians' strong national identity and highlighted the potential economic repercussions of a 25% tariff on essential goods like energy and steel.

He argued that such tariffs would harm American consumers by increasing the cost of living and disrupt a mutually beneficial trade relationship. Trudeau suggested that the "51st state" discussion was intended to distract from these critical economic concerns. Trump, on the other hand, has claimed that a merger would lower taxes and eliminate tariffs. He has also referred to Trudeau as the "governor" of Canada.

While acknowledging Trump's stated admiration for Canada, Trudeau reiterated the distinct Canadian identity and pride in not being American. He recounted a previous conversation with Trump at Mar-a-Lago where the annexation topic arose, and a lighthearted exchange about Canada potentially annexing US states quickly became serious. Trudeau affirmed his commitment to responding robustly with retaliatory tariffs if necessary.

Canadian officials have indicated potential retaliatory tariffs on American products like orange juice, toilets, and steel if Trump's tariff threat materializes. Trudeau recalled past instances where similar tariffs imposed by Trump led to reciprocal measures from Canada, impacting American businesses reliant on Canadian exports. He stressed that such actions harm American workers and contradict Trump's stated goals of improving American lives.

Despite Trump's claims of not needing Canadian resources, Canada supplies nearly a quarter of the oil consumed daily in the US. Canada is also a significant trading partner, being the top export destination for numerous US states. Trump has suggested he might reconsider the tariffs if Canada enhances border security to address concerns about illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, although Trudeau has downplayed the extent of these issues across the US-Canada border. Following a meeting with Trump, Trudeau announced increased border security spending, hoping to alleviate Trump's concerns and avert the tariff threat.