Trump mocks Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau as ‘governor of state of Canada,’ threatens 25% tariffs
US President-elect Donald Trump a jab on Tuesday at Canada’s prime minister on social media, calling him “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” instead of prime minister.
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” posted Trump on his Truth Social platform shortly after midnight.
“I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”
Trump’s jab follows reports that he suggested making Canada the 51st US state during discussions with Trudeau in Florida, which followed threats to impose huge trade tariffs when he takes office in January.
Recall Trump reportedly said during a meeting in November with Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st US state if high tariffs were to hurt its economy.
Trump’s post on Tuesday came a day after Trudeau said imposing tariffs on everything from Canada “would make life a lot more expensive for Americans.”
Trump said last month that crimes and drugs are entering the United States at an unprecedented level from Canada and Mexico. He also said he intends to impose 25 percent tariffs on all imports from the two countries when he takes office.
And responding to Trump’s threat, Trudeau on Monday in a speech to the chamber of commerce in the eastern Canadian city Halifax, said Canada would “respond to unfair tariffs,” as Ottawa did during Trump’s first term when Washington slapped tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
“We’re still looking at the right ways to respond,” Trudeau told the audience.
Trump also said in an interview with NBC television aired on Sunday that because the US is “subsidizing” Canada to the tune of over 100 billion dollars per year, it should become a US state.
Trump accuses top US trading partners Canada and Mexico of not doing enough to stop the flow of illegal migrants and drug trafficking.
Observers say Trump’s remarks are intended to urge Canada to stop drugs from flowing into the US, and to resolve his country’s trade deficits with its neighbor.
LENS/Agency Report