Wed Jan 08 05:51:22 UTC 2025: ## Trudeau Rejects Trump’s Threat of Economic Force to Annex Canada

**OTTAWA/WASHINGTON —** Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vehemently rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to use economic coercion to force Canada into a merger with the United States. In a strongly worded statement on X, Trudeau declared that the possibility of Canada becoming part of the US is “a snowball’s chance in hell.” He emphasized the mutually beneficial economic and security partnership between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly echoed Trudeau’s defiance, accusing Trump of demonstrating a “complete lack of understanding” of Canada. She underscored Canada’s economic strength and its unwavering stance against Trump’s threats.

Trump, speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort, reiterated his desire to eliminate the US-Canada border, citing national security and Canada’s relatively small military spending as reasons. He explicitly stated his intention to use economic, not military, force to achieve this goal. This latest threat follows previous pronouncements by Trump suggesting the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada significantly bolstered border security.

The impending threat has raised concerns about the potential damage to the substantial US-Canada trade relationship, which sees billions of dollars in goods and services exchanged daily. Experts warn that Trump’s actions could severely impact Canada’s economy. The Trudeau government has pledged to implement enhanced border security measures while also hinting at retaliatory tariffs should Trump make good on his threats. The incoming president’s repeated attempts to pressure Canada into annexation have been met with staunch resistance from Canadian officials.

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