Trump reiterates call for Canada to join US as 51st state

US President Donald Trump has once again stated that Canada should join the US, suggesting that it would be a beneficial move for both nations.

The comments were made during a press briefing at the White House, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“When I say they should be a state, I mean that,” Trump said, emphasising his stance.

According to the president, Canada would make a great state within the US. 

He also highlighted that the US can no longer afford to defend Canada, accusing the country of not adequately investing in its own military. This is not the first time Trump has suggested that Canada should become part of the US. He has previously argued that Canada would be much better off as the 51st state. Trump also claimed that the US loses $200 billion annually due to its relationship with Canada, vowing not to let this continue.

Earlier on March 21, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that US President Donald Trump will eventually acknowledge Canada’s sovereignty and engage in extensive trade talks, as Americans will ultimately suffer from Trump's trade war. Trump continued his frequent attacks on Canada, reiterating that the country should become the 51st state and claiming that the US keeps Canada “afloat.” Carney met with provincial leaders at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa to discuss the ongoing trade war. 

The new prime minister expressed his desire for a broad discussion on trade and security with the US, rather than just focusing on isolated tariff issues. Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canada’s steel and aluminum and is threatening to implement sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products, as well as on all of America’s trading partners, starting April 2.

By Naila Huseynova