Canada's Foreign Minister Responds to Trump's 51st State Remark: "This is Not a Joke"

In a recent interview, Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly expressed grave concern over President Donald Trump's suggestion of making Canada the 51st state, amid rising trade tensions marked by significant tariffs.

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has voiced strong objections to US President Donald Trump's proposition of transforming Canada into the 51st state, labeling the remarks as "not a joke" during her interview with the BBC. "This is not a joke anymore," Joly stated on Newsnight, emphasizing the frustration among Canadians, who have recently demonstrated their discontent during hockey games by booing the American national anthem.

These comments emerge in the wake of Trump’s recent announcement of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods entering the US, which prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deride the move as "very dumb" and to threaten retaliatory tariffs against American imports. However, in a twist, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at an impending deal to alleviate these tariffs.

Joly noted that so far, there had been no communication between Trump’s team and their Canadian counterparts regarding the tariffs leading up to the announcement. She further pointed out that Trump’s earlier tariffs on Canada were subject to implementation delays, with new tariffs on energy imports also complicating matters.

In light of these escalating tensions, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports from Canada to American states, signaling the potential for further economic skirmishes. Joly remarked that while Canada has taken steps to secure its borders in accordance with US demands, the rationale provided by the Trump administration for the tariffs was "a bogus excuse."

Joly conveyed a strong message of solidarity between Canada and the UK, underscoring the need for collaborative countermeasures should the tariffs continue to escalate. She stated, “We cannot let our guard down," labeling the tariffs as an "existential threat" to Canada's economy.

While expressing grievances against the actions of the Trump administration, Joly emphasized that such sentiments do not reflect hostility toward the American people, whom she considers important friends of Canada. The ongoing trade tussle remains a focal point for both nations, as they navigate the complexities of their economic relationship.