Trump Refers to Trudeau as Governor of the Great State of Canada

President-elect Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his knack for bold and unconventional diplomacy, referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “Governor” of the “Great State of Canada” in a Truth Social post. The remark came after a dinner meeting between the two leaders at Mar-a-Lago, where tariffs and border security dominated the discussion.

“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday night. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”

Trump’s tongue-in-cheek comment follows reports that he told Trudeau during the meeting that if Canada couldn’t handle potential tariffs, it should consider joining the United States as the 51st state. The quip reportedly left Trudeau “laughing nervously,” according to sources at the dinner, but it underscores Trump’s strong-arm approach to negotiations.

Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico, a move he insists is necessary to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Trump declared last month.

Trudeau has pushed back, warning that such tariffs would also harm Americans. “Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity, and just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States,” Trudeau said. “All of those things would get more expensive.”

Despite the pointed rhetoric, Trump noted after the meeting that Trudeau had “made a commitment to work” with the U.S. on addressing drug trafficking and border security issues. The exchange signals a potential shift in the historically close relationship between the two nations, with Trump making it clear that his administration will prioritize American interests above all else.

As Trudeau himself posted following the dinner, “Thanks for dinner last night, President Trump. I look forward to the work we can do together, again.”

Trump’s comments may seem unconventional, but they reflect a broader strategy of putting pressure on neighboring countries to take a more active role in solving shared problems. Whether it’s trade or border security, Trump’s unapologetic approach is a clear departure from the diplomatic niceties of the past.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the latest developments in Trump’s bold foreign policy moves.