Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, Trudeau says

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told business leaders that U.S. President Donald Trump may be serious about plans to annex Canada as the “51st state” to gain access to the country’s critical minerals, according to Canadian media reports.

Speaking at a closed-door Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto, Trudeau said: “Mr Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing.” His remarks were captured by a microphone and reported by several Canadian outlets.

The comments follow Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States, except for energy exports which would face a 10% rate. Both Canada and Mexico received a 30-day reprieve in exchange for enhanced border security measures.

Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could become a U.S. state to avoid tariffs, referring to Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau” and stating at the Oval Office: “What I’d like to see – Canada become our 51st state.”

An Ipsos poll shows 80% of Canadians oppose joining the United States. Such a move would require approval from both U.S. congressional chambers, including a Senate supermajority of 60 votes.

The tariff threats have sparked concern in Canada, where about three-quarters of exports go to the U.S. Some provinces have launched “buy local” campaigns, while citizens have cancelled U.S. travel plans in protest.

Canadian officials are pursuing closer energy and critical minerals cooperation with the U.S., with Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson calling such collaboration a “win-win” during Washington meetings.

At the summit, Trudeau warned of “a more challenging, long-term political situation with the United States,” emphasizing the need to strengthen Canada’s independent economic position.