• Trump asserts Canada would "cease to exist" without US support just days before elections.
• Comments on potential tariff increases add to tensions between the US and Canada.
• Mark Carney promotes internal economy as a counter to Trump's remarks, gaining support.

US President Donald Trump declared that Canada "would cease to exist" without the United States during an Oval Office event, comments made just days before Canadians head to the polls. He reiterated his view that the US doesn't need Canadian imports, stating, "We don’t really want Canada to make cars for us," as he threatened possible tariff increases on Canadian goods, particularly cars, which currently face a 25% tariff according to SCMP and India Times.

Trump's remarks have provoked significant backlash in Canada and have fueled a sense of nationalism among voters, consequently benefitting Liberal leader Mark Carney. Carney aims to bolster Canada's internal economy by proposing the elimination of trade barriers within the country. "We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away," Carney said, echoing sentiments of a united Canadian front against external pressures according to India Times and The Hill.

During a recent interview, Trump insisted that he was serious about his assertions regarding Canada's potential status as a US state, declaring, "I'm really not trolling," and emphasizing that the US is losing substantial amounts in trade support for Canada. Despite Trump's comments, Canadian officials, including Carney, continue to assert their sovereignty and reject the notion of merging with the US, indicating that discussions would resume post-election, according to The Hill and India Times.