Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that Donald Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, suggesting the former U.S. president wants access to the country's critical minerals.
Speaking at a closed-door Canada-US Economic Summit, Trudeau claimed Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, even referring to him as "Governor Trudeau."
Trump's threats come alongside a proposed 25% tariff on Canadian exports, with a temporary 30-day reprieve in exchange for stricter border security.
An Ipsos poll shows 80% of Canadians oppose joining the U.S., while officials in Canada are exploring ways to strengthen economic independence amid rising tensions.