Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there is “a snowball’s chance in hell” of Canada ever merging with the United States in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s provocative call to use “economic force” to achieve his ambitious, though unlikely, plan of annexing Canada.
The tension escalated after Trump, in a press conference following his election victory, suggested that Canada could become the 51st state. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line and you take a look at what that looks like,” Trump said, adding that such a merger would improve national security, given that the US already protects Canada.
Trudeau, however responded on X, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
He also pointed to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, noting that trade and security cooperation are essential to both countries’ prosperity. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner,” Trudeau said.

Foreign minister Melanie Joly accused Trump of “a complete lack of understanding” of Canada. “Our economy is strong. Our people are strong. We will never back down in the face of threats,” Joly added in her post.
Trump’s provocative comments extended beyond Canada, with the incoming president threatening military action to secure the Panama Canal and Greenland. The US president-elect also reiterated his plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports when he assumes office on January 20. This move, experts warn, could devastate Canada’s economy, as it relies heavily on trade with the United States, sending approximately 75% of its exports south of the border.
While Trump distanced himself from military options, suggesting instead that “economic force” would be the tool for achieving his vision.
The verbal clash comes amidst Trudeau announcing his resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, marking the end of nearly a decade at the helm of Canadian politics.