Trump’s ‘51st state’ talk a distraction from trade war impact, says Trudeau

By Mickey Djuric | 01/13/2025 12:40 PM EST

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s ready to respond with tariffs on U.S. products.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “No American wants to pay 25 percent more for electricity or oil and gas coming in from Canada." Jose Luis Magana/AP

President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric around Canada becoming a 51st state is a distraction from the economic impact a trade war will have on American workers and businesses, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau charged Sunday.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Jen Psaki, the Canadian prime minister vowed to fight fire with fire should Trump make good on his Day 1 promise to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian products.

“As we did last time, we are ready to respond with tariffs as necessary,” Trudeau said on “Inside with Jen Psak,i” one of his first sit-down interviews with American TV since he announced he was stepping down as Liberal leader. He will remain on until March.

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