Fri Jan 10 07:44:10 UTC 2025: ## Trudeau Rejects Trump’s “Distraction” of Canada Becoming 51st State, Warns Against Tariffs
**OTTAWA** – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has once again dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state, calling it a negotiating tactic designed to distract from more pressing trade issues. In an interview with CNN, Trudeau emphasized Canada’s strong national identity and rejected the notion outright. “Canadians are incredibly proud of being Canadian,” he stated. “What I think is happening… is President Trump… is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that conversation.”
The comments follow Trump’s recent threat to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports unless Canada strengthens border security. Trudeau warned that such a move would negatively impact both economies, with US consumers ultimately bearing the brunt of increased prices on goods ranging from oil and gas to lumber and aluminum. He highlighted the potential price increases for American consumers, stating that “everything the American consumers buy from Canada… is suddenly going to get a lot more expensive.”
Trudeau also alluded to Canada’s willingness to retaliate with counter-tariffs, referencing past actions against American goods during a 2018 trade dispute. However, he stressed a preference for avoiding such measures, stating that they harm both Canadian and American consumers.
Trump’s suggestion regarding Canada’s statehood follows a pattern of unconventional territorial proposals, including his previous attempt to purchase Greenland, which was met with strong opposition from Denmark and Greenland. Trudeau has repeatedly dismissed the idea, stating earlier this week that it’s “not gonna happen.”
First Piper 