Janice R. Andrews
In a bold move, President-elect Donald Trump has made his strongest bid yet to take over Canada, offering the Canadian people a 60 percent tax cut if they agree to join the United States and become the 51st US state. This proposal is part of a broader strategy that includes territorial expansion into Canada, Greenland, and Panama.
Christmas Day Escalation
On Christmas Day, Trump escalated his campaigns against the governments of both Panama and Canada. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything’.
He continued, addressing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor,” and promised significant benefits for Canadians if they joined the US. “If Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World”.
Reactions from Canada and Beyond
Trudeau has suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump’s threats to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who attended the dinner, said Trump’s comments were in jest.
However, Trump’s intentions seem serious as he also reiterated his interest in purchasing Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” he wrote on Truth Social.
Greenland and Panama in the Crosshairs
Trump’s interest in Greenland dates back to his first presidential term, but he was publicly rebuffed by Danish authorities who stated that the island was “open for business, not for sale”. The Danish Prime Minister’s Office recently reiterated this stance, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic cooperation.
In addition to his Canadian and Greenlandic ambitions, Trump has also suggested that the US could retake control of the Panama Canal if rising shipping costs are not addressed. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded firmly, stating that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to”.
Implications for Canada
Trump’s offer has sparked a mix of reactions among Canadians. While some see the potential economic benefits, others are concerned about the loss of national sovereignty and identity. The proposal has also led to a flurry of online discussions and debates, with some Canadians expressing support for the idea and others vehemently opposing it.
As Trump prepares to take office, his bold proposals and aggressive rhetoric are likely to continue stirring controversy and debate on both sides of the border. Whether Canada will seriously consider becoming the 51st state remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump’s vision for North American expansion is far from conventional.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Bargainmama.com.
