Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump shocked the world when he proposed that Canada become the 51st state of the United States.
Shocking proposal
Specifically, at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago (Florida), the incoming president expressed his desire to buy Greenland, reclaim the Panama Canal by force if necessary, and was ready to use "economic power" to annex Canada.
Trump does not rule out using force to control the Panama Canal, Greenland
In it, Mr. Trump teased Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "governor". Next, regarding this issue, Mr. Trump seriously mentioned that the border between the two countries is "artificial" and that the US has spent a lot of money on relations with Canada. President-elect Trump emphasized: "We don't need Canadian cars. They produce 20% of the cars supplied to the US market. We don't need that! I'd rather produce cars in Detroit (Michigan, USA). We don't need their lumber. We have vast timber fields. We don't need Canadian lumber. We don't need Canadian dairy products. We have more than Canada has."
Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting in 2019
Canadian political leaders have reacted strongly. Even MP Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), wrote on social network X: "Don't talk nonsense, Donald! No Canadian wants to immigrate to the United States."
Tough times for Canada
In November, just weeks after his election, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing their failure to effectively curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States. This alarmed Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau flew to Mar-a-Lago to begin talks with Trump, and Canada outlined plans to strengthen border controls. But those efforts appear to have been insufficient to appease Trump, as evidenced by his increased rhetoric regarding his neighbor.
Meanwhile, according to analysis by Eurasia Group (USA), the world's leading political risk research and consulting firm, Republican politicians do not support this. Similarly, the MAGA movement (roughly translated: Make America Great Again) despite its enthusiastic support for Mr. Trump, would find it difficult to accept the annexation of Canada. The reason is that Canadian voters tend to lean strongly left, and given the country's population and economic status, if it becomes a US state, no Republican candidate is likely to be able to win future races for the White House.
In addition, Mr. Trump’s accusations against Canada are considered to be lacking in objectivity. Experts from Eurasia Group pointed out that the US’s $100 billion trade deficit with Canada mainly comes from Canada’s oil and gas exports to the US, helping the country stabilize fuel prices. Imposing tariffs on Canadian goods also harms US interests.
However, although annexing Canada to the US is not feasible, analysts have questioned whether Mr. Trump is "plotting" to increase pressure to negotiate with his northern neighbor regarding economic issues. In the context that Mr. Trudeau is about to step down as Prime Minister of Canada, it will take a considerable amount of time for the country to stabilize the new government. In such a context, pressure from the US could make it more challenging for Canada to negotiate economically.
Mr. Trump was sentenced
Judge Juan Merchan in New York City (USA) on January 10 opened a trial to sentence President-elect Donald Trump for paying hush money to an adult film actress in 2016 and falsifying business records to cover it up. Mr. Trump was found guilty by a jury in May 2024 and the judge postponed the sentencing several times at Mr. Trump's request. Mr. Trump's crime could have been punishable by prison, but with his election as president, the judge ruled "unconditionally released", according to CNN.
Although he will not be sentenced, the charges will remain on Trump’s record. The leader had previously requested that the sentencing be delayed until after his inauguration on January 20, but the US Supreme Court rejected the request on January 9. Trump had also sought to have the case dismissed, but Judge Merchan said the sentencing must take place to satisfy the public’s desire that no one is above the law.
Bao Vinh
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/canada-trong-cuoc-xung-dot-voi-ong-trump-185250110233325566.htm
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