Summary
Donald Trump reiterated his claim that Canada would be better as the U.S.’s 51st state, citing trade imbalances and lower taxes.
He also announced new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada, despite a recent 30-day reprieve.
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has not formally responded, but a government source said they await official confirmation.
Trump criticized Canada’s defense spending and border security, despite recent Canadian commitments.
Canada previously retaliated against similar tariffs in 2018 before a 2019 trade deal resolved the dispute.
Holding a country that doesn’t want to be held, that no one else wants you to occupy, is very different than winning it, as the US and other countries have repeatedly learned.
And the unpopularity at home would make Vietnam look like nothing.
No, it would be a disaster for the US. A very different one than Ukraine, but maybe even worse.