President-elect Trump continued his trolling of Canada early Wednesday, slamming U.S. subsidies to its northern neighbor and claiming again that Canadians probably want to become the 51st U.S. state.
“No one can answer why we give Canada over $100 million a year in subsidies,” President Trump wrote in a post on his social media platforms.
“That makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state. That would save them tons of money in taxes and military protection,” Trump wrote.
The post comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Canada over the president-elect’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on Canada for failing to address trade and immigration issues.
President Trump comments on political turmoil in “Canada’s great province,” trolls “Governor Justin Trudeau”
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Mar-a-Lago to discuss the issue. Mr. Trump became enraged when the topic of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, which he estimates at more than $100 billion, was brought up, according to people familiar with the matter.
President Trump reports the news like a storm, bashing the media but showing restraint to reporters
President Trump reportedly suggested to Prime Minister Trudeau that if tariffs on Canada would destroy the economy, perhaps Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a fireside chat with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in Halifax on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (Riley Smith/Canadian Press via AP)
Meanwhile, President Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports has rattled Canada, which is highly integrated with the U.S. economy.
Approximately 60% of US crude oil imports come from Canada, and similarly 85% of US electricity imports also come from Canada.
Canada Customs and Fisheries officers monitor the U.S.-Canada border between Blaine, Washington, and White Rock, British Columbia.
Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the United States, and possesses 34 critical minerals and metals coveted by the Department of Defense.
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Every day, goods and services worth $3.6 billion in Canada or $2.7 billion in the United States cross our borders. Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betts is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, covering crime, politics and more.
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