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President-elect Donald Trump has escalated his tariff rhetoric with an unusual suggestion of Canadian statehood.
Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re exploring the Trump administration’s approach to U.S.-Canada relations, accusations of Israel limiting clean water in Gaza, and French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Mayotte.
Prime Minister or Governor?
Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, seems to have entertained the idea of adding a 51st star to the American flag. In a statement that some analysts regard as serious and others dismiss as a jest, Trump once again floated the notion that Canada should join the United States. “Why are we subsidizing Canada for over $100,000,000 a year?” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding, “It’s a great idea. 51st State!!!”
Though the U.S. and Canada share the longest undefended border globally, Trump recently criticized Canadian border security. He threatened to introduce 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports during his first day in office unless Canada addresses the flow of undocumented migrants and illegal drugs into the U.S.
“This is a profoundly disruptive threat, even by Trump’s bold standards,” FP columnist Edward Alden remarked, noting Trump’s similar tariff threats against China and Mexico.
Trump’s remarks prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to visit Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in November. During their dinner, Trump joked directly to Trudeau and other officials about the idea of Canadian statehood. Canada’s then-Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc later assured reporters that Trump’s comments were playful. “He was joking. There was no seriousness in that remark,” LeBlanc explained.
Nonetheless, Trump continued the banter days later by referring to Trudeau as “Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada” on Truth Social. He repeated the phrase this week while commenting on Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation, which stemmed from disagreements with Trudeau over handling Trump’s tariff threats. Freeland accused Trudeau of engaging in “expensive political stunts” rather than addressing the issue effectively, leading some of her allies to call for Trudeau’s resignation.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs would devastate both economies. Comparing it to “a family member stabbing you in the heart,” Ford pledged to increase border enforcement if Trump’s deportation plans push migrants northward.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s concerns, pointing out that Canada’s trade deficit with the U.S. results from shipping billions in raw materials to support U.S. industries and jobs. Canada supplies 60 percent of U.S. crude oil imports and 85 percent of its electricity imports. Alberta alone exports 4.3 million barrels of oil and gas to the U.S. daily.
A poll by research firm Leger revealed that only 13 percent of Canadians support becoming a U.S. state, while 82 percent oppose the idea.
Regardless of Trump’s intentions, Canadian officials are taking precautions. Following Freeland’s resignation, LeBlanc, now the finance minister, announced a $900 million plan to bolster border security. The strategy includes forming a “joint strike force,” enhancing detection tools at key entry points, and funding more canine detection teams. The goal is to curb fentanyl smuggling, ease border congestion, and improve coordination with U.S. law enforcement.
What Else We’re Tracking
Water crisis in Gaza. Human Rights Watch accused Israel on Thursday of deliberately restricting clean water access for Gazans between October 2023 and September 2024. The 184-page report states that Israel cut off electricity, fuel, and water pipelines to Gaza’s sanitation facilities, reducing water availability to below emergency survival levels.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry denied the claims, insisting that water and aid have continued to flow into Gaza despite Hamas attacks. The ministry cited recent deliveries of over 1.2 million tons of humanitarian supplies, though international agencies have repeatedly accused Israel of obstructing aid.
Aid in Mayotte. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Mayotte following a deadly cyclone that left at least 31 confirmed dead. Officials fear the death toll could be in the hundreds. Macron announced a compensation fund for uninsured victims and pledged to rebuild the island with improved infrastructure. French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq also warned of potential cholera outbreaks.
New U.S. Climate Targets. The Biden administration introduced new goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66 percent below 2005 levels by 2035, aligning with the Paris Agreement. Advisor John Podesta expressed confidence in the plan despite Trump’s preference for fossil fuels over renewable energy.
Odds and Ends
Frustration is mounting in Hong Kong over claw machines. The city’s Consumer Council called for a review of these games, citing unfair settings. Complaints about the devices jumped from 16 in 2023 to 42 this year.
