Fri Jan 10 11:10:09 UTC 2025: ## Trudeau dismisses Trump’s annexation talk as a distraction tactic
**Ottawa, January 10, 2025** – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of annexing Canada as a distraction from the economic consequences of his proposed tariffs. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports unless Canada increases border security, going so far as to suggest using economic force to acquire the country.
Trudeau, speaking to CNN, characterized Trump’s remarks as a negotiating tactic. He highlighted the significant price increases American consumers would face on goods ranging from oil and gas to lumber and steel if the tariffs were implemented. He reiterated Canada’s firm stance against annexation, stating previously that the possibility was “not a snowball’s chance in hell.”
Trudeau warned that Canada would retaliate with countermeasures if Trump follows through on his tariff threats. He cited a 2018 trade dispute where Canada successfully targeted American goods such as ketchup, playing cards, bourbon, and Harley Davidson motorcycles with tariffs to demonstrate Canada’s willingness and ability to respond. However, he emphasized Canada’s preference to avoid such measures, as they negatively impact both Canadian consumers and the vital trading relationship between the two countries.
First Piper 