We've been good neighbors but...: Trump floats THIS bold proposal against Canada, Mexico

World: US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to use "economic force" to blackmail Canada into becoming the 51st state of the United States. Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump complained about trade deficits and the cost of US military aid to its northern neighbor. "We've been good neighbors, but we can't do it forever," Trump said, repeating his threat to impose massive tariffs on imports from both Canada and Mexico.

Concerns over trade and security

He has criticized Canada by saying that Canada is running large trade imbalances, which they claim that US subsidizes for Canadian security whereas the US takes trade deficits of goods like cars and farm products. "Canada, don't take our cars, our farm products, anything, so we won't take theirs either. We are spending hundreds of billions a year to take care of Canada," Trump asserted. The president-elect also described the potential integration of Canada into the US as "something significant" that could help American economic security.

Stricter stance against Mexico

Besides Canada, Trump went on the offensive against Mexico. He argued that Mexico had taken advantage of America's resources without being able to prevent violence attributed to drug cartels. In reference to massive trade deficits by the US in relation to Mexico, he stated he would start to make those changes soon. "Mexico is really in trouble, a lot of trouble, a very dangerous place. We're going to change because we do most of the work there, and it's ours," said Trump.

Uncertainty over military confrontation

When pushed for a blanket denial of his use of the military to safeguard strategic assets or resources such as Greenland or access to the Panama Canal, the President refused. "I would not rule those out," said Trump. But he did say the following: we need them to maintain economic security.

Tariffs as a strategy to obtain leverage

Trump warned that both Canada and Mexico may be subjected to new tariffs if they do not comply with US demands on trade, immigration, and drug control. The remarks of the incoming president indicate a more aggressive approach to foreign policy and economic relations with neighboring countries in his administration.