Incoming President Donald Trump is poised to shake up international trade with proposed tariffs on the European Union if they don't increase imports of American oil and gas. This assertive stance aligns with Trump's campaign promise to revitalize American energy production by expanding fracking and reversing President Biden's restrictions on new liquefied natural gas export permits.

This latest move comes amidst a series of warnings directed at various nations, including China, Mexico, and Canada, urging them to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking. Trump has specifically threatened a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports if these countries don't take action to curb illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to the proposed Canadian tariff by threatening to halt energy and critical mineral exports to the U.S. Trump, however, remained undeterred by this counter-threat.

Following the tariff threat, Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau engaged in discussions. Trudeau reportedly conveyed to Trump that such a tariff would cripple the Canadian economy. In a surprising turn, Trump then suggested that Canada become the 51st state, a proposition that reportedly elicited nervous laughter from Trudeau and others present.