Trump’s Canada Takeover Threat ‘A Real Thing,’ Trudeau warns – DW – 02/08/2025

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told a group of business leaders that US President Donald Trump’s desire to control Canada “is a real thing,” Major Canadian news sites CBC and Toronto Star have reported.

Trudeau made the comments in a closed door setting, but they were mistakenly transferred via speaker.

Trump has often said that Canada should become the 51st state and has offended Trudeau and called him governor rather than prime minister.

“They are very aware of our resources, what we have and they want a lot to be able to take advantage of them,” Trudeau said. “But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways to do it is to absorb our country. And that’s a real thing.”

Canada has oil, natural gas, diamonds and many other natural resources. The country is also an important potash producer used in fertilizers to grow crops.

Trudeau also discussed the trade relationship with Canada. Last week, Trump Canada threatened with 25% duty on all Canadian imports and a lower 10% duty on energy.

If such tariffs were to undergo, it could lead Canada into a recession due to Canada’s integrated trade economy with the United States. It would also increase the cost of gasoline, groceries and other items for US consumers.

“The strategic reflection we need right now is … how we get through and thrive and get stronger over the next four years and into what can be a more challenging long -term political situation with the United States? ” Trudeau said earlier at the meeting.

Trump’s threats of trade and annexing can lead to Canada seeking stronger economic and political ties with other powers such as China and the EU.