Trump to Trudeau: Fix border issues or Canada may become US's 51st state

President-elect Donald Trump reportedly floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week.

The two leaders met at Mar-a-Lago after Trudeau made an unannounced trip on November 29. His visit came in response to Trump’s threat to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods unless both countries take stronger action to curb illegal immigration and illicit drug flows into the US.

Describing the meeting as "very productive," Trump initially focused on key issues such as tariffs, border security, and trade deficits, sources told Fox News, per Caliber.Az.

Over a dinner that included crab cocktails and oysters, the conversation reportedly turned candid.

Trump directly addressed Canada’s handling of border issues, paraphrased by sources as stating that the country had failed the US by allowing significant drug flows and illegal immigration across the border. He claimed these included migrants from over 70 different countries.

When discussing trade, Trump reportedly became more animated, citing a US trade deficit with Canada he estimated at over $100 billion. He warned Trudeau that if Canada does not address these issues, he will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods on his first day back in office.

According to sources, Trudeau expressed concern that such tariffs would devastate Canada’s economy, prompting Trump to retort: "So your country can't survive unless it's ripping off the US to the tune of $100 billion?"

Trump then suggested a bold alternative: "Maybe Canada should become the 51st state," causing Trudeau and others to laugh nervously. Trump doubled down on the idea, adding, "Prime minister is a better title, but you could still be governor of the 51st state."

Someone at the table reportedly remarked that Canada would be a very liberal state, drawing more laughter. In response, Trump quipped that Canada could split into two states — one conservative and one liberal.

He continued with the suggestion, saying that if Trudeau could not meet his demands without "ripping the US off in trade," statehood might be the solution.

Despite the lighthearted tone of some exchanges, Trump was clear about his expectations for change by January 20. The nearly three-hour conversation touched on various other topics, with the Canadian delegation describing the dinner as "very friendly and very positive." However, no official mention was made of Canada becoming the 51st state in their public remarks.

By Tamilla Hasanova