Trump Calls Canada 'Meant to Be' the 51st State, Escalating Diplomatic Rift

The U.S. president's comments, coupled with trade tensions and economic fallout, strain relations with America’s northern ally.

Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that Canada is 'meant to be' the 51st state, citing its territorial advantage and strategic importance.
Trump criticized Canada as 'one of the nastiest countries to deal with,' highlighting trade disputes over dairy tariffs and alleged dishonesty in negotiations under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The U.S. president justified his tough stance by claiming Canada’s alignment with China must be prevented and reiterated grievances about trade deficits and subsidies.
Trump’s trade policies, including tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, have raised fears of a U.S. recession and further strained relations with traditional allies.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his recent exit message, warned that Trump’s foreign policy undermines U.S. alliances and Western values.