Staff Reports
Justin Trudeau has entered the nickname game with a flourish, earning himself a new title thanks to President-elect Donald Trump: “Governor” Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. This moniker was born during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where the future commander-in-chief couldn’t resist poking fun at Canada’s economic posture in light of impending tariffs on their goods.
The dinner conversation reportedly included a playful suggestion about annexing Canada if it couldn’t hack the proposed U.S. tariffs. Apparently, if Canada can’t manage its trade relations, maybe it’s time for the maple leaf to fly under the Stars and Stripes. Trump even took to Truth Social to express his delight at the “pleasure” of dining with “Governor” Trudeau, while hilariously hinting they need to ramp up discussions about tariffs and trade to achieve something spectacular for America.
For those who haven’t been paying attention, tariffs aren’t just some obscure economic jargon; they’re a way to shake up the foreign goods market and remind our neighbors to the north and south that trade should benefit the hardworking American citizen. Trump has made it crystal clear that if a country wants access to U.S. markets, it better start pulling its weight in enforcing immigration and combating drug trafficking.
Trump leans into 51st state talk by praising ‘Governor’ Justin Trudeau of Canadahttps://t.co/arklYuGXjR pic.twitter.com/q03Vx9U5FT
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 10, 2024
A hefty 60% tariff on China, along with a 25% levy on goods from Canada and Mexico, has been floated as a strategy to prioritize American jobs and keep companies from abandoning ship. While some may wring their hands over the impact these tariffs might have on Canada’s economy, one thing is certain: the real kicker will be whether those costs land directly on consumers or if companies decide to absorb them. Either way, it’s good to know someone is looking out for the American worker.
Right now, it’s uncertain whether Trump is merely tossing these ideas around or if he’s gearing up to hit the ground running after his inauguration. Still, it’s amusing how people react to Trump’s casual mention of statehood for Canada as a solution to its economic woes. After all, if Canada is getting subsidized, why not put a state line on the map and make it official? Rather than sitting on the sideline, it sounds like Trump is more than ready to stir the pot when it comes to U.S. trade policy and to remind everyone that America’s interests come first.
