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Trump Provokes Controversy: Calls for Canada to Become the 51st State After Trudeau's Shocking Resignation! By Mike Crawley, CBC News Posted: January 6, 2025, 12:00 PM MST | Last Updated: 21 minutes ago Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's unexpected resignation as Liberal leader comes just two weeks before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada on his first day, raising concerns about Canada’s economic stability while Trudeau remains in a "lame duck" position until a successor is chosen. Trudeau's resignation leaves Canada vulnerable as Trump prepares to implement his trade policies. Xavier Delgado, a senior program associate with the Wilson Center's Canada Institute, noted, "It's a remarkable time for the prime minister to be announcing that he's stepping down. Within the context of Canada-U.S. relations, it really does not make a lot of sense." Trump's Bold Suggestion In a provocative response to Trudeau's announcement, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, suggesting a radical shift for Canada. He proclaimed, "Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned." He continued, "If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!" Trudeau's Commitment Amid Uncertainty Trudeau's resignation has prompted critical questions about how the Canadian government will handle negotiations with the incoming Trump administration. Delgado remarked, "In announcing that he's resigning, Trudeau effectively becomes a lame duck prime minister. He does not really have a mandate, given the fact that folks down here in Washington know that he's not going to be around much longer." During a news conference outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau addressed concerns about protecting Canada from potential tariffs while key cabinet ministers focus on the leadership race. He stated, "The government and the cabinet will still be very much focused on doing the job Canadians elected us to do in 2021, which is fight for their interests, stand up for their well-being and make sure that Canadians… are protected and strong." Leadership Race Implications Trudeau did not clarify whether Liberal leadership contenders would need to resign during the race. Several top cabinet ministers involved in Canada-U.S. relations, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, are potential leadership candidates. They recently visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort to meet with some of the president-elect's cabinet picks and discuss Ottawa's plans for improving border security, a key demand from Trump to avoid substantial tariffs. Read the full article