At an afternoon press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump doubled down on his intentions to annex Canada.
He ruled out the use of military force, instead opting for economic pressure, likely including the potential 25% tariff on imports and beyond.
His argument revolved around the resource potential in Canada, the trade deficit, and national security concerns.
He also quoted Trudeau, who allegedly told him that Canada would “dissolve” unless the U.S.-Canada status quo continues.
Trump believes that Canada does not offer anything of value in trade when he said, “We don’t need their cars, lumber, milk, we don’t need anything they have.”
Trump asserted his belief that the border between the two countries is ‘artificial,’ further questioning the status quo of two independent nations.
It remains to be seen whether or not Trump will make good on his claims regarding Canada, or Greenland and Panama, which he has also vowed to acquire.
Trump is set to be sworn in for the second time on January 20th in D.C., a moment that will likely mark a reset in U.S.-Canada relations.
Trudeau has paused Canadian democracy until March 24th, buying his party time to install a new leader and prepare for an uphill battle in the 2025 elections.
As it stands, Prime Minister Trudeau will have three months to deal with a renewed President Trump under the pressure of an already weakened Canadian economy.
