Justin Trudeau admits Trump's annexation threat is real

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on a hot mic during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders on February 7, 2025, where he remarked that President Donald Trump's idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state is a 'real thing.' Trudeau expressed concern that Trump may be serious about annexation to gain access to Canada's rich natural resources, including oil and metals. His comments reflected an escalating tension regarding Trump's repeated threats to impose tariffs on Canadian products, which he has used as leverage in trade discussions. During the meeting, it was noted that Trudeau had previously downplayed Trump's annexation talk as mere jest. However, the hot mic incident shed light on the potential gravity of Trump's intentions and how they might affect U.S.-Canada relations moving forward. This situation underscores the complex dynamics between Canada and the U.S. regarding trade policies and resource management, as both nations navigate their interdependent economic relationship with rising tensions regarding tariffs and resource acquisition. The implications of Trump's annexation talk could lead to significant political discussions in Canada, with widespread resistance to the idea across the political spectrum, considering the constitutional hurdles necessary for such a change to take place. Trudeau emphasized the importance of preparing Canada for possible U.S. tariffs, outlining a plan to enhance border security and address concerns around illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking. Trudeau's comments suggest a need for strategic deliberation on how Canada should approach negotiations with the U.S. under Trump's administration, which appears to prioritize American economic interests at the potential expense of Canadian sovereignty.