Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded sharply to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting the possibility of annexing Canada, labeling them as a deliberate distraction from the significant economic consequences of proposed tariffs. In an interview with CNN, Trudeau pointed out that Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports could significantly increase prices for American consumers.

“What I think is happening here is that President Trump, who is a very skillful negotiator, is distracting from the real conversation about tariffs on oil, gas, steel, and other critical products,” Trudeau stated ([source](https://theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/09/trudeau-trump-threatened-to-annex-canada-to-distract-from-tariffs-impact)). He emphasized, “Everything the American consumers buy from Canada is suddenly going to get a lot more expensive if he moves forward on these tariffs.” Trudeau reiterated his belief that the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state is unfounded, affirming that “It’s not going to happen.”

Trump had previously threatened economic force against Canada if the country did not bolster its border security, evoking a range of emotions in the Canadian public. Trudeau conveyed that Canadians take immense pride in their national identity and are resolutely opposed to any merger with the United States ([source](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/09/world/trudeau-trump-canada-tariffs-tapper-intl-latam/index.html)). Notably, Trudeau stated, "Canadians are incredibly proud of being Canadian. One of the ways we define ourselves most easily is, well, we’re not American.”

Should Trump follow through on his tariff threats, Trudeau suggested that Canada would respond with countermeasures, recalling the retaliatory tariffs imposed during previous trade disputes, which targeted products like Heinz ketchup and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He underscored the potential harm to American workers and consumers, noting that retaliatory measures could lead to increased prices for Canadians as well ([source](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/did-trumps-win-call-for-us-canada-merger-prompt-pm-resignation-trudeau-responds/articleshow/117101935.cms)).

As Trudeau prepares to step down, he stressed the importance of maintaining strong U.S.-Canada relations and working collaboratively, even in challenging situations. He stated, “What we did in Trump's first presidency was that we worked together in very challenging circumstances to come out with a strong win-win for both countries.”

For further details, check the original articles from The Hill, The Guardian, CNN, and India Times.