Trump to Canada: Join US as 51st State or Face Tariffs

President Donald Trump has intensified his push to make Canada the 51st state, moving beyond past casual suggestions into explicit economic threats during Thursday’s World Economic Forum speech.

Speaking virtually to global leaders in Davos, Trump linked his upcoming trade penalties — the 25% tariffs set to be implemented on February 1 — directly to Canada’s statehood. “As you probably know, I say you can always become a state,” Trump told the assembled leaders. “Then if you’re a state, we won’t have a deficit, we won’t have to tariff you.”

He backed this with claims that the US does not need Canadian trade. “We don’t need them to make our cars,” he declared. “We don’t need their lumber because we have our own forests. We don’t need their oil and gas, we have more than anybody.”

Like many of Trump’s assertions, they contradict economic realities. The US and Canadian economies function as deeply connected partners, exchanging $3.6 billion in goods daily and supporting nearly 4 million jobs across both nations. Canada provides 60% of US oil imports and 99% of US natural gas imports, while 92% of Canadian-made vehicles cross the border into American markets.

The oil relationship particularly demonstrates this dependence. Energy analyst Pavel Molchanov told CNN that US refineries, especially in the Midwest, rely on Canadian crude oil to function: “If (hypothetically) Canadian oil were not available, many US refineries would struggle to find heavy crude elsewhere, and they might even stop operating.”

Canada has prepared a three-stage counterattack if Trump proceeds with his threats. The first phase would immediately target iconic American products, including Florida orange juice and Kentucky bourbon, with matching tariffs. After a two-week consultation period, Canada would expand these penalties to cover $37 billion of US goods. A third phase could add tariffs on another $110 billion of American imports. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Thursday that Canada is “ready to respond in a strong way, but in a way that will be stepping up, gradually,” adding that “prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up.”

Trudeau emphasized his nation’s importance to American prosperity, noting that Trump’s vision of a “golden age” for the US economy would require “more of the things that Canada is already sending them as a reliable and trustworthy partner.”


Information for this story was found via CTV News, Global News Canada, CNN, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

One Response

  1. Canadians themselves may well respond. Boycott travel to US for vacations etc. Stop snowbirds who rent a lot of space in the winter months.
    Reduce the power of the US dollar when shopping in Canada .. special price for US just as practiced in Cuba.
    Consider joining the EU and using the membership of the c Common wealth to a greater degree.
    Transboarder visitors..entry and leaving fees. Yes we have a ways and means thoughts as citizens.. no visits to your sunny states.. Florida, Carolinas, Texas, maybe California if your fires ever stop.
    Stop using services .e.g Amazon, Netflix etc. By pass all US owned stores.
    These are actions Canadians can take right now.
    We are not willing to become the 51 state of the US. The US as the recent election shows is on a rampage of destruction of lifes.
    So the gun laws do not appeal.. the open discrimination practiced and so forth. The US would not appreciate the rise of this multi nation country.

Video Articles

2026 Could Be Gold’s Biggest Year Yet!? | Ryan King – Equinox Gold

Gold Is Screaming Higher While Currencies Burn | Simon Ridgway – Rackla Metals

We Have the Highest-Grade Antimony Deposit in North America!? | Jim Atkinson -Antimony Resources

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Freeland’s and Trudeau’s Offices Clash Over GST Holiday Plan

Internal discord has emerged at the highest levels of Canada’s government, with Finance Minister Chrystia...

Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 07:39:41 AM

Trump Blinks To Push Tariff Deadline With Mexico For 90 Days More

Against its own pronouncements, the US bought Mexico another 90 days on tariff discussion, pushing...

Friday, August 1, 2025, 11:06:00 AM

Judge Calls DOJ’s Effort to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Transcripts ‘A Diversion’

A federal judge on Tuesday rejected the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts...

Saturday, August 23, 2025, 09:44:00 AM

Trump Rules Out Gold Tariffs After Market Confusion

President Donald Trump said Monday that gold imports will not face U.S. tariffs, ending days...

Thursday, August 14, 2025, 03:15:00 PM

Kenney Blasts Trudeau’s Expansion of Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has launched a scathing critique of the federal government’s immigration...

Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 04:20:00 PM