President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Canada by doubling down on tariffs and suggesting that the country should become the US’s 51st state.
In a series of scathing posts on Truth Social Tuesday morning, Trump criticized Canada’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on electricity into the United States, declaring that he would “shortly declare a National Emergency on Electricity.”
Trump also announced the US would impose an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada, raising it to 50% starting Wednesday. He called Canada “ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.”
In his posts, Trump threatened to “substantially increase tariffs on cars” entering the US unless Canada dropped its long-standing tariffs.
He further criticized Canada’s financial relationship with the US, claiming, “We are subsidizing Canada to more than 200 billion dollars annually???? This cannot continue.”
Trump argued that Canada’s only logical solution was to become the US’s 51st state, claiming this would eliminate all tariffs and lead to a stronger, more secure nation.
He promised Canadians “lower taxes, military and other security,” and the dissolution of the “Northern Border problem.” Trump also pledged that Canada’s anthem would continue to be played, now representing a “great and powerful state.”
Trump’s rhetoric extended to demanding the immediate removal of Canada’s “Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390%” on US dairy products, labeling it “outrageous.”
In a separate post, Trump questioned why the US would allow Canada to supply electricity to its northern states, calling it a “bargaining chip and threat.” He warned that Canada would face a “financial price” for its actions, one that would be remembered in history books.
In response to Trump’s moves, Ontario Premier Doug Ford retaliated by introducing a 25% tariff on Canadian electricity into Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Ford also warned that he was prepared to “shut the electricity off completely” if the trade war with the US intensified.
The stock market reacted quickly, dropping more than 500 points, as fears of a potential recession mounted.
