Canada under threat? Trudeau accuses Trump of eyeing annexation

Ottawa: Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised concerns over former US President Donald Trump’s reported interest in integrating Canada into the United States. Addressing a gathering, Trudeau described Trump’s desire to absorb Canada as the 51st US state as a “real thing.” “I suggest that not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have but that may be even why they keep talking about absorbing us and making us the 51st state,” Trudeau reportedly told attendees.

Trump calls Trudeau a ‘Governor’ amid economic tensions

Adding fuel to the controversy, Trump allegedly referred to Trudeau as a “governor” rather than a prime minister, a remark seen as dismissive of Canada’s sovereignty. The comments emerged as Canada prepares for the potential fallout of Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. While the US president has temporarily postponed the tariff, granting a 30-day negotiation window, tensions remain high.

Canada’s rich resources are a key factor.

Trudeau hinted that Canada’s vast mineral reserves, crucial for the green energy sector, may be driving Trump’s interest in closer economic integration. “They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those,” Trudeau added. “But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country.”

Canada holds significant reserves of lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, and cobalt—key minerals for the renewable energy industry. As discussions continue, Canadian officials have been working to reassure citizens of their country’s sovereignty and economic security.

Canadian officials push back against absorption talks

Trudeau’s cabinet members swiftly responded to Trump’s alleged comments, reaffirming Canada’s independence. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized the importance of US-Canada ties, stating, “Our American friends understand that they need Canada for their economic security, they need Canada for their energy security, and they need Canada for their national security.”

Trade Minister Anita Anand also dismissed any notion of Canada losing its sovereignty. “There will be no messing with the border,” she said firmly. Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon echoed her sentiment, adding, “Canada is free. Canada is sovereign. Canada will choose its own destiny, thank you very much.”

Majority of Canadians reject US absorption

Trump first floated the idea of incorporating Canada into the US during a dinner with Trudeau in December. “What I’d like to see—Canada become our 51st state,” he reportedly said last week. However, a recent Ipsos poll indicates that the vast majority of Canadians (80%) oppose such a move, signaling strong national resistance to any attempt at political unification.