The 47th president of the United States has taken to social media to propose a way Canada can avoid “much higher taxes” and sidestep tariffs.
Yesterday, February 1, Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing what he called “catastrophic” tariffs to hold China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their failure to curb the influx of harmful drugs into the US.
The order enforces 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tax on goods from China. To further support this move, Trump also declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
These tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, February 4.
According to a statement from the White House, these tariffs are part of Trump’s “bold action” to ensure Mexico, Canada, and China keep their promises to stop illegal immigration and prevent dangerous substances like fentanyl from entering the US.
The order claims, “There is growing production of fentanyl in Canada, and enough fentanyl was seized at the northern border last fiscal year to kill 9.8 million Americans.” It further notes that illegal crossings from Canada have hit record highs in the past four fiscal years.
In response, Canada has announced it will impose a 25 percent counter-tariff on US goods worth CA $155 billion. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that this would have “real consequences” for the American public, and that the White House’s actions would ultimately drive a “split” rather than foster unity.
Trump, in turn, suggested a way for Canada to avoid the tariffs, humorously stating that Canada “should become our Cherished 51st State.”
In a post made on Truth Social earlier today (February 2), Trump stated: “We pay hundreds of billions of dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There’s no reason for it.
“We don’t need anything they have. We have limitless energy, should produce our own cars, and have more lumber than we could ever use. Without this massive subsidy, Canada couldn’t survive as a viable country. Harsh but true!
“Therefore, Canada should become our cherished 51st state. Much lower taxes, much better military protection for the people of Canada — AND NO TARIFFS!”
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has voiced her strong opposition to the White House’s recent announcement regarding tariffs, categorically rejecting the accusation that the Mexican government has any ties with criminal organizations.
During a press briefing on Friday (January 31st), Sheinbaum responded: “We have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, depending on what the government of the United States decides.”
She went on to emphasize the importance of defending Mexico’s sovereignty: “It is very important for the people of Mexico to know that we will always defend the dignity of our people, that we will always defend respect for our sovereignty, and engage in dialogue as equals, as we have always stated, without subordination.”