President Trump threatens Canada over trade war - saying it should become 'cherished 51st state'
US President Donald Trump has again threatened Canada in their emerging trade war, repeating that the neighbouring country should become "our cherished 51st state", Report informs via Sky News.
The US leader said earlier that he is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform on Sunday afternoon, Trump said: "We pay hundreds of Billions of Dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There is no reason.
"We don't need anything they have. We have unlimited Energy, should make our own Cars, and have more Lumber than we can ever use."
He claimed that without the "massive subsidy" Canada "ceases to exist as a viable country".
He added: "Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada - AND NO TARIFFS!"
Trump later said any potential pain caused by the trade war would be worth it.
"Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!). It will all be worth the price that must be paid," the US leader said.
The Trump administration had said that the tariffs aimed to stop the spread and manufacturing of the opioid fentanyl, as well as pressuring America's neighbours to limit illegal immigration to the US.
But it risks a trade war and higher prices for American consumers. Economists argue supply chains will be disrupted and businesses will suffer increased costs - leading to an overall rise in prices.
Both Mexico and Canada rely heavily on their imports and exports, which make up around 70% of their Gross Domestic Products (GDPs), putting them at even greater risk from the new tariffs.
In his Sunday posts on Truth Social, Mr Trump also took aim at the Wall Street Journal which he said was leading a "Tariff lobby", after the newspaper ran an opinion piece titled "The Dumbest Trade War in History".
Canada's high commissioner to the UK Ralph Goodale, speaking to Sky News' Kamali Melbourne, had a warning for allies.
He said: "I would just say to our allies around the world watch this closely, you could be next, and in the meantime, stand by your friends."
He added Trump's words were a "salesman's pitch" and despite the historically close relationship between the countries "we don't want to be each other".
