Trump imposes new tariffs on Canada and suggests annexation to the United States

On March 11, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a series of protectionist measures targeting Canada, in response to a 25% surcharge imposed by Ontario on electricity exports to the United States.

These measures include increased tariffs on steel and aluminum, threats to the Canadian auto industry, and, most surprisingly, a proposal to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state.

An immediate commercial response

In response to Ontario's surtax, Trump ordered a 25% increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, bringing them to 50%. He called Canada "one of the most protectionist nations in the world" and announced that this measure would take effect on March 12 ( Social Truth ).

Meanwhile, Trump demanded that Canada immediately remove tariffs on U.S. dairy products, which he estimates are between 250% and 390%, calling them "outrageous." If not, he threatened further trade sanctions ( Reuters ).

A "national emergency" for electricity

Trump also announced his intention to declare a national electricity emergency in the states affected by the Ontario surcharge (New York, Michigan, and Minnesota). This measure would allow the United States to "quickly do what needs to be done to counter this abusive threat from Canada" ( AP News ).

A direct threat to the Canadian automotive industry

The president then warned that if Canada fails to make concessions, he will impose additional tariffs on Canadian cars exported to the United States as early as April 2. He said this decision would "permanently shut down the auto manufacturing industry in Canada" and force production to relocate to the United States ( Truth Social ).

A shocking proposal: make Canada an American state

In a most surprising statement, Trump suggested that "the only logical solution" would be for Canada to become "our beloved 51st state." He said this integration would eliminate tariff barriers, "substantially" reduce taxes for Canadians, and enhance their security. He added that the "artificial dividing line" between the two countries should disappear and that "O Canada" could continue to be played as a state anthem within the United States ( Time ).

Trump reiterated this idea in a social media post: "All tariffs on Canada will disappear if they become our 51st state."

Reactions in Canada

Trump's proposal was immediately rejected by Canadian officials. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the idea "absurd" and said there was "no chance" Canada would give up its sovereignty. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, meanwhile, insisted that "Canada is and will remain a strong and independent country" ( Reuters ).

Canadians themselves have reacted with outrage, with some expressing their displeasure at sporting events by booing the American anthem ( AP News ).

Towards a deterioration in American-Canadian relations?

Trump's trade threats and proposed annexation threaten to escalate tensions between the two nations. While the United States and Canada are closely linked economic partners, this new escalation could disrupt their cooperation and strengthen nationalist sentiment in Canada. The coming months will be decisive for the future of trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.