The war of words between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is intensifying over proposed tariffs on Canadian imports.
On Tuesday, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, referring to Canada as a U.S. state and Trudeau as a governor. This mocking post came in response to Trudeau’s previous warning that Canada would retaliate if Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
In his early morning post, “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on tariffs and trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all.”
Earlier, on November 25, Trump had announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada until issues surrounding illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S. were resolved.
Following Trump’s threats, which caused the Canadian dollar to plummet, Trudeau flew to Mar-a-Lago on November 29 for a three-hour dinner meeting with Trump.
During their talks, Fox News reported that Trump suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state if Trudeau feared tariffs.
According to the Associated Press, Trudeau addressed the Halifax Chamber of Commerce: “Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive.”
He emphasized that Canada would respond if Trump proceeded with the tariffs. Trudeau acknowledged that a 25% tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S. would severely impact Canada’s economy but stressed that it would also create substantial hardships for Americans.
He elaborated, “It would also, however, mean real hardship for Americans as well. Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity. Just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States. They rely on us for steel and aluminum. They rely on us for a range of agriculture imports. All of those things would get more expensive.”
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