THUNDER BAY, ON – POLITICS – Former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited controversy early Tuesday with a late-night post on Truth Social, jokingly referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada.”
It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 10, 2024
The remark first came after the two leaders met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss proposed tariffs on international imports, including goods from Canada. Now the President-Elect has raised the issue again.
“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump wrote on “x” at 12:06 a.m on Tuesday morning. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all! DJT.”
Trump’s comments, described by a Canadian official as “teasing,” reportedly left Trudeau and others at the meeting laughing nervously. The lighthearted remark, however, came against the backdrop of serious discussions about the potential economic consequences of U.S. tariffs.
Tariff Talks Raise Concerns
Trudeau traveled to Mar-a-Lago to press the case against sweeping tariffs that Trump has proposed, warning that such measures could severely impact both the Canadian and U.S. economies.
“Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity, and just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States,” Trudeau stated in comments on Monday. “They rely on us for steel and aluminum. They rely on us for a range of agricultural imports. All of those things would get more expensive.”
The Canadian Prime Minister added that the proposed tariffs would create “real hardship for Americans” by driving up prices for essential goods.
“Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive,” Trudeau said.
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Post
While some Canadian officials downplayed Trump’s remarks as “banter,” the late-night post struck a nerve for many. Trump’s framing of Trudeau as a “Governor” and his comment about Canada as a “Great State” were seen by some as diminishing Canada’s autonomy and the role of the Prime Minister’s Office.
Others noted the tension underlying the lighthearted tone. Trump’s remarks reflect the broader power dynamic in Canada-U.S. relations, particularly on matters of trade and tariffs.
What’s Next?
As Canada and the U.S. continue trade discussions, Trudeau faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with the need to protect Canada’s economic interests. Meanwhile, Trump’s unconventional style—marked by quips and jabs—keeps these high-stakes discussions in the spotlight.
Whether intended as a joke or not, Trump’s comments highlight the deep interdependence between the two nations—and the stakes involved as they navigate this critical economic relationship.
