Canada in 'conflict' with Mr. Trump

Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump shocked the world when he proposed that Canada become the 51st state of the United States.

Shocking proposal

Specifically, at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago (Florida), the incoming president expressed his desire to buy Greenland, reclaim the Panama Canal by force if necessary, and was willing to use " economic power" to annex Canada.

Mr. Trump does not rule out using force to control the Panama Canal and Greenland.

In it, Mr. Trump teased Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "governor". Next, related to this issue, Mr. Trump seriously mentioned that the border between the two countries "is artificial" and the US has spent a lot of money in its relationship with Canada. President-elect Trump emphasized: "We do not need Canadian cars. They produce 20% of the cars supplied to the US market. We do not need that! I would rather produce cars in Detroit (Michigan, USA). We do not need their wood. We have vast timber fields. We do not need Canadian wood. We also do not need Canadian dairy products. We have more than what Canada has".

Mr. Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a meeting in 2019

Canadian political leaders reacted strongly. Even MP Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP), wrote on social network X: "Don't talk nonsense, Donald! No Canadian wants to immigrate to the United States."

Tough times for Canada

In November, just weeks after his election, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing their failure to effectively curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States. This worried Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau flew to Mar-a-Lago to begin talks with Trump, and Canada outlined plans to strengthen border controls. But these efforts appear to have been insufficient to appease Trump, as evidenced by his increased rhetoric regarding his neighbor.

Meanwhile, according to analysis by Eurasia Group (USA), the world's leading political risk research and consulting firm, Republican politicians do not support this. Similarly, the MAGA movement (roughly translated: Make America Great Again) despite its enthusiastic support for Mr. Trump, finds it difficult to accept the annexation of Canada. The reason is that Canadian voters tend to lean strongly to the left, and given the country's population and economic status, if it becomes a US state, it is unlikely that any Republican candidate will be able to win future races to the White House.

In addition, Mr. Trump's accusations against Canada are considered to be lacking in objectivity. Experts from Eurasia Group pointed out that the US's $100 billion trade deficit with Canada mainly comes from Canada's oil and gas exports to the US, helping the country stabilize fuel prices. Imposing tariffs on Canadian goods also harms US interests.

However, although the annexation of Canada into the US is not feasible, analysts have questioned whether Mr. Trump is "plotting" to increase pressure to negotiate with his northern neighbor regarding economic issues. In the context that Mr. Trudeau is about to step down as Prime Minister of Canada, it will take a considerable amount of time for the country to stabilize the new government. In such a context, pressure from the US may make it more challenging for Canada to negotiate economically.

Mr. Trump was sentenced

Judge Juan Merchan in New York City (USA) on January 10 opened a trial to sentence President-elect Donald Trump for paying hush money to an adult film actress in 2016 and falsifying business records to cover it up. Mr. Trump was found guilty by a jury in May 2024 and the judge postponed the sentencing several times at Mr. Trump's request. Mr. Trump's crime could have been punishable by prison, but with his election as president, the judge ruled "unconditionally released," according to CNN.

Although he will not be sentenced, the charges will remain on Trump's record. The leader had previously requested that the sentencing be postponed until after his inauguration on January 20, but the US Supreme Court rejected the request on January 9. Trump had also sought to have the case dismissed, but Judge Merchan said the sentencing must take place to satisfy the public's desire that no one is above the law.

Bao Vinh

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/canada-trong-cuoc-xung-dot-voi-ong-trump-185250110233325566.htm