WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President-elect Donald Trump fired a shot Wednesday at U.S. subsidies to Canada, using the social media platform Truth Social to question why the United States provides financial support to its northern neighbor. And in a tweet, the president-elect suggested that many Canadians would prefer Canada to be the 51st state of the United States and save them on taxes and military expenses.
On Twitter, Trump wrote, “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada in an amount over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to be the 51st state. They would save vast amounts on taxes and the military.”
The remark is the latest in a series of barbs aimed at Canada’s government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump has frequently used his platform to criticize Trudeau, and his latest comments come amid heightened tensions between the two countries over trade and tariffs.
On Monday, Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Finance Minister, resigned after reportedly clashing with Trudeau over how to handle incoming U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration. Freeland’s resignation prompted Trump to mock both the resignation and Trudeau’s leadership. “The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” Trump wrote, calling Freeland’s behavior “toxic” and adding, “She will not be missed!!!”
A prominent development in Canada’s political landscape has emerged from the resignation of Freeland who played a key role in the handling of trade relations with the United States when Donald Trump was in his first term. The reasons behind the disagreement between her and Trudeau reportedly centered on how to respond to tariffs expected from Trump.
Trump’s suggestion that Canada consider becoming the 51st U.S. state has drawn mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a typical example of his provocative rhetoric. His remarks have, however, triggered debate on social media, where some Canadians expressed frustration with the economic impact of tariffs and other trade disputes with the United States.
Trump has continuously criticized U.S. trade policies with Canada, especially as regards tariffs and subsidies. His administration promised to play a tougher role in U.S. trade deals, including those with U.S. allies like Canada, which would ensure American industries become better protected.
