US President-elect Donald Trump proposed the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state on social media, citing benefits like tax savings and military protection. The comment follows political unrest in Canada, including the resignation of Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland.

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• Trump posted on Truth Social that “many Canadians” support becoming the 51st US state.
• A Leger poll found 13% of Canadians favor merging with the US.
• Trump made similar comments to PM Justin Trudeau in November at Mar-a-Lago.
• Critics, including Canadian academics, dismissed the idea as “bullying” and a negotiation tactic.
• Trump’s post cited alleged US subsidies to Canada of over $1 billion annually, though the figure is unclear.
• Canada’s trade deficit with the US in 2022 was $53.5 billion, overshadowed by $909 billion in trade.
• Ottawa announced new border measures and joint crime-combat initiatives to address US concerns.
• Trump repeatedly referred to Trudeau as “Governor of Canada,” drawing criticism in Canada.
• Former Trudeau advisor Gerald Butts likened Trump’s tactics to “a boxer working a cut.”
• Canadian officials insist on maintaining productive discussions with the US despite provocations.