Trump Threatens Tariffs and Jokes About Canada as 51st State in Tense Trudeau Meeting

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces criticism at home after a contentious dinner with President-elect Donald Trump over trade and border issues.

• President-elect Donald Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, citing trade imbalances and border security concerns, during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Trump jokingly suggested Canada could become the 51st state, a remark dismissed by Canadian officials but criticized as demeaning by political observers.
• Trudeau's response to Trump’s demands, including his acknowledgment of potential economic harm to Canada, has been criticized domestically as overly conciliatory and weak.
• Canadian officials, including Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, have highlighted data showing minimal fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration at the northern border, countering Trump’s claims.
• Canada is reportedly preparing retaliatory tariffs but hopes to avoid escalation, with Trudeau under pressure to defend national interests more assertively.

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