Trudeau Rebukes Trump’s Threat to Absorb Canada: ‘Not a Snowball’s Chance in Hell’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded sharply to President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of using “economic force” to integrate Canada into the United States, stating flatly, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell” of such a union happening.
In recent weeks, Trump has floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, framing it as beneficial for security and trade. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like,” Trump said during a Mar-a-Lago press conference. “Canada and the United States—that would really be something.”
Trump also reiterated his intention to impose “substantial” tariffs on Canadian goods unless the country bolsters security along the shared border. While he ruled out the use of military force to annex Canada, Trump criticized the country’s reliance on U.S. military protection, calling it “very unfair.”
Political and Economic Tensions
Trudeau’s government faces a challenging moment, as the prime minister recently announced his resignation. He plans to remain in office until the governing Liberal Party selects a new leader, expected by late March. In the meantime, Canada’s parliament has been suspended to facilitate the leadership race.
Economists warn that Trump’s proposed tariffs, if enacted after his inauguration on January 20, could significantly harm Canada’s economy, which saw nearly C$3.6 billion ($2.5 billion) worth of daily cross-border trade in 2023. In response, the Trudeau administration has hinted at imposing counter-tariffs.
“Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner,” Trudeau wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Border Security and Military Spending
While addressing concerns about drug trafficking, Trump criticized Canada’s defense budget, arguing it falls short of NATO targets. Canada has pledged to increase its defense spending from its current C$27 billion ($19.8 billion) to nearly C$50 billion by 2030.
In response to U.S. pressure, Canada announced new security measures, including enhanced border surveillance and a joint strike force targeting organized crime. However, Trump expressed skepticism about Canada’s military capabilities, stating, “They have a very small military. They rely on our military. It’s fine, but they’ve got to pay for that.”
Provincial Leaders Step In
Canadian provincial leaders have also weighed in. British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans for several premiers to visit Washington, D.C., to lobby against potential tariffs. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the economic interdependence between Canada and the U.S., particularly in trade and energy.
“The premiers are leading the country right now,” Ford said, urging Trudeau to work with provincial leaders during his remaining weeks in office to counter Trump’s threats.
Ford dismissed Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state with a quip: “I’ll make him a counter-offer. How about if we buy Alaska and throw in Minneapolis and Minnesota at the same time?”
With tensions rising, Canada faces critical decisions on trade, defense, and its response to an unpredictable and assertive neighbor.
