Donald Trump has renewed his attacks on Canada, adding fuel to the political fire engulfing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, Bloomberg reports.
In a post on Truth Social Wednesday morning, Trump claimed the US subsidizes Canada to the tune of over “$100,000,000 a year,” questioning the rationale behind such spending. He then reiterated his past suggestion that Canada become the 51st US state, claiming many Canadians desire such a move.
Trump’s statement, while seemingly a casual remark, carries significant weight given the ongoing political turmoil in Canada. The recent resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has shaken Trudeau’s government, creating a major leadership challenge. Freeland, a key figure in navigating US-Canada relations, tendered a scathing resignation letter, adding to the uncertainty.
Trump, in a separate post, celebrated Freeland’s departure, calling her “totally toxic.” The timing of his comments further amplifies the pressure on Trudeau, who is already grappling with the fallout from Freeland’s exit.
The accuracy of Trump’s $100 million figure remains unclear. Previous statements from Trump have mentioned a figure of “$100 billion” in relation to the US-Canada trade imbalance. Official Census data shows a US goods trade deficit with Canada of $50.5 billion through October 2023, and $64.3 billion for the entire year.
Trudeau, addressing his Liberal Party caucus on Tuesday, attempted to downplay the crisis, likening the situation to family disagreements during the holidays. His attempt at levity contrasts sharply with the gravity of the situation, with Freeland’s departure creating a significant void in his government’s leadership and strategic planning.
The current political climate in Canada presents a complex backdrop to Trump’s remarks. While Trump’s past suggestions of Canada becoming a US state have been largely viewed as jokes, the current context casts them in a different light, potentially intensifying tensions between the two North American neighbors.
