US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
While claiming the United States pays "hundreds of billions of dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada," apparently referring to the US trade deficit with its neighbour, Trump said "without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country."
"Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State," he wrote on his Truth social media platform, claiming the move would bring "much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada - AND NO TARIFFS!"
Earlier, on Saturday, Trump announced broad tariffs on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, claiming a "major threat" from illegal immigration and drugs.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his approval of tariffs as a policy measure, and has signaled that Saturday's action could be the first volley in further trade conflicts to come.
Short link: