Canada's outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has firmly rejected the idea that his country could become the 51st state of the United States, responding for the first time to provocations from the American president-elect. Donald TrumpIn a statement Tuesday, Trudeau said: "Canada will never, ever be part of the United States."
For several weeks, Donald Trump has been publicly talking about a possible merger between the two countries. He has also used the term "Governor Trudeau" to refer to the Canadian Prime Minister, insinuating Canada's subordination to its southern neighbor. Trump has threatened to apply "economic force" by increasing customs duties to 25% and criticized what he sees as Canada's "military dependence" on the United States.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly also reacted firmly. On the X platform, she declared: "Donald Trump's comments demonstrate a complete misunderstanding of what makes Canada a strong country. We will never back down in the face of threats." Joly is also one of the figures expected to succeed Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation on Monday after nine years in power.
Trump, who will become the 47th US president on January 20, seems to be oscillating between provocation and pressure tactics. He has notably declared that it would be in the United States' interest to "get rid of this artificially drawn border", while ruling out the use of the military. His remarks may be aimed at strengthening his balance of power to obtain economic or political concessions.
The series of statements comes as Canada is going through a delicate political transition, marked by the resignation of Justin Trudeau. The tense climate between the two countries illustrates the diplomatic challenges that await his successor in the face of an American president with unpredictable positions.
