(The Hill) – President-elect Trump pitched the idea of a “merged” United States and Canada after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, noting there would be no tariffs if the two countries were one.
“If Canada merged with the U.S., there would no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them,” Trump posted to his Truth Social site. “Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
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Trudeau announced Monday that he would be resigning before general elections later this year. His Liberal Party is polling poorly as tensions with Trump have risen over the issue of tariffs.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau said.
After Trudeau’s announcement Monday, Trump touted the idea that many Canadians would “LOVE” the idea of being the “51st State” of the U.S.
He said the merger would be beneficial for the U.S., because it would “no longer suffer” from “massive Trade Deficits” and subsidies that it provides to Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces resignation
“Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” Trump said.
Trudeau has served as Canada’s prime minister for nine years and led the Liberal Party for 11. He has faced mounting crises, including the resignation of a top minister and a confrontation with Trump’s 25 percent tariff plan, among other issues.
President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland criticized Trudeau in her resignation, saying he was pursuing “costly political gimmicks” as Trump threatens tariffs on the neighboring country.
Trump trolled Trudeau last month as Canada’s “governor” after they had dinner. He also criticized Freeland for what he described as “totally toxic” behavior.
Trudeau said he would retaliate if Trump went through with the tariff hike and said it would be more difficult for the two countries to work together.
With Trudeau’s resignation underway, Canada’s Liberal Party will be hosting a competitive race to find a replacement.
Liberal legislators will host an emergency meeting Wednesday.
