Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation, President-elect Trump reiterated his belief that Canada would thrive as the 51st U.S. state. On Truth Social, he claimed that many Canadians favor this idea, arguing that a merger would eliminate trade deficits, lower taxes, and enhance Canada’s security against threats from Russia and China. He asserted that Trudeau understood this.

Trump further elaborated on the potential benefits, highlighting the elimination of tariffs and the enhanced security that would result from the union. He envisioned a stronger, unified nation.

Trump previously raised the merger proposal during a late November meeting with Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, following threats of significant tariffs on Canadian goods. These tariffs, intended to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Canada and Mexico, were set at 25%.

In a Truth Social post from that time, Trump detailed their discussion on various issues, including the opioid crisis fueled by illegal immigration, the need for fair trade agreements, and the substantial trade deficit with Canada.

Trudeau’s resignation announcement, made earlier Monday, detailed his intention to step down as both Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party following the selection of a successor. He explained that internal conflicts within his party made him an unsuitable candidate for the upcoming election.

Trudeau, who has served for nearly a decade, has faced declining approval ratings due to concerns about the rising cost of living and inflation. Calls for his resignation increased after the departure of his finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation letter criticized Trudeau’s economic policies and Trump’s threats.

’ Michael Dorgan, Caitlin McFall and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report. 

“`