Canada’s Foreign Minister Responds to Trump’s 51st State Remarks Amid Tariff Tensions

In a recent interview, Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly decried U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion regarding Canada becoming the 51st state, asserting that it is a serious issue tied to escalating tariffs and national sentiment.

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has officially responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial suggestion of making Canada the 51st state, noting that she takes his remarks “very seriously.” Speaking with BBC News, Joly stated, "This is not a joke anymore," highlighting the growing discontent among Canadians, particularly evident during public events like hockey games where the U.S. national anthem is often booed.

This statement comes on the heels of Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on a range of products entering the U.S. from Canada, prompting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to label the move as "very dumb" and to announce retaliatory measures. Joly emphasized that while discussions around tariff reductions were expected, ultimately the decision lies solely with President Trump.

Despite the rising tensions, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that Trump might soon unveil a deal aimed at alleviating the tariff situation. However, Joly pointed out the lack of communication from U.S. officials regarding these tariffs during the critical days leading up to the announcement.

The tariffs, which include a 10% levy on energy imports from Canada, have already prompted responses from Canadian officials, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states. Joly criticized the Trump administration's reasoning behind these tariffs, viewing them as a misguided justification and insisting that Canada constitutes a minor contributor to issues like fentanyl trafficking, which the tariffs purportedly target.

Furthermore, Joly has framed Canada as a "canary in the coal mine," suggesting that other nations, including European countries and the UK, could be next under Trump’s tariff regime. She urged collaboration between Canada and the UK to prepare for potential countermeasures against any additional tariffs imposed.

Throughout the discourse, Joly reiterated that Canada’s public grievances should not be perceived as hostility towards the American populace, whom she characterized as friends, while branding the tariffs on Canada, which is one of the U.S.'s largest trading partners, as an “existential threat.” "We cannot let our guard down," she asserted, urging a proactive approach to combat these challenges in international trade relations.