Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed a business gathering on Friday that US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Canada “is a real thing,” as confirmed by two Canadian business leaders who attended the meeting.
Trudeau’s remarks, which were initially reported by the Toronto Star, were overheard on an open microphone after Trudeau mistakenly thought the media had left the room. He was heard saying, “Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on…” before the microphone cut out.
The comments were made following Trudeau’s opening speech at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto, once journalists had exited the venue.
In an interview before Trump’s inauguration, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Trump’s remarks about making Canada the United States’ 51st state were merely a distraction from the real issues, particularly the potential consequences of Trump’s tariff threats.
Trudeau emphasized that Canada becoming a U.S. state was “not going to happen,” pointing out that Canadians take great pride in their identity, particularly by distinguishing themselves from Americans.
He explained that Trump’s suggestion was a strategic distraction to shift focus away from more pressing matters, such as the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods like oil, gas, steel, aluminum, and lumber.
Trump carried through with his tariff threats last week, imposing a 25% duty on most Canadian imports to the U.S. However, after Trudeau promised to enhance security at Canada’s border, Trump announced a temporary pause on the tariffs for at least a month.
Following a call with Trump, Trudeau confirmed Canada would proceed with its $1.3 billion border security plan and take additional steps, such as appointing a “fentanyl czar” and designating cartels as terrorist organizations.
