According to the Toronto Star, the Canadian Prime Minister believes the US President’s interest in annexing Canada is driven by its mineral resources.
A Toronto Star report reveals that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while speaking to business leaders, inadvertently disclosed to journalists that US President Donald Trump’s ambition to incorporate Canada into the United States is genuine. This was overheard due to a malfunctioning microphone. Trump recently reiterated his desire to make Canada the “51st state” during an Oval Office press briefing, expressing confidence in its feasibility given the right approach.
Following two phone calls on Monday, Trudeau discussed aspects of these conversations with business and union leaders in Toronto before a closed-door Canada-US Economic Summit. His comments, initially intended as private remarks, were overheard by reporters due to an active microphone.
“I believe the Trump administration’s interest in acquiring our critical minerals is a major factor in their persistent discussion of absorption into the US as the 51st state,” Trudeau stated, as reported by the Toronto Star.
Trudeau warned that the US aims to leverage Canada’s natural resources, suggesting that annexation is Trump’s preferred method. He emphasized the seriousness of this threat.
In December, when Trump first proposed the annexation, Trudeau dismissed it as highly improbable.
Last week, Trump asserted that Canada’s economic viability hinges on the continued receipt of substantial US subsidies (“hundreds of billions of dollars”). He proposed US statehood as a solution, promising “much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada – and no tariffs!”
In early February, Trump imposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing immigration and drug trafficking concerns. Canada vowed retaliation. However, Trump delayed the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days, contingent on enhanced border security measures.