The President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has sparked fresh controversy with his latest remarks, this time taking aim at Canada.

On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Trump suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the U.S.

Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!”

Trump has a history of needling Canada. Recently, he criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government following the unexpected resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

On Monday, Trump had written, “The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behaviour was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!!”

This isn’t the first time Trump has dubbed Trudeau as the “Governor” of Canada. After a meeting in November at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he quipped, “It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all! DJT.”

Trump’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the two neighbours, with trade and immigration issues at the forefront. The former president had recently threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, accusing the Canadian government of not doing enough to address the concerns.