Donald Trump has used his platform on Truth Social to convey an urgent message to Canadians as they prepare to vote for their next prime minister.
Mark Carney, who assumed the role of prime minister just six weeks ago, succeeded Justin Trudeau and is now in a face-off with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for the election.
A few weeks earlier, Poilievre’s party enjoyed a significant 25-point lead in the polls. However, Carney, leading the Liberal Party, has managed to reduce the gap.
The election is expected to be highly competitive, with some suggesting that the ‘Trump effect’ might influence the outcome.
The former U.S. President has imposed tariffs on Canada but mentioned that these could be entirely avoided if Canada were to become the ‘cherished 51st state’ of the U.S.
Trump expressed that it would be ‘one of the great states anywhere’ and suggested that the combined nations would create ‘the most incredible country visually’.
He commented that the existing division resulted from an ‘artificial line’ drawn between the two countries.
Furthermore, Trump proposed that Canada could retain its national anthem if it joined the U.S.
“It’s so perfect as a great and cherished state. Keeping ‘O Canada’, the national anthem. I love it, I think it’s great, keep it,” Trump remarked.
“But it’ll be for the state, one of our greatest states. Maybe our greatest state,” he continued.
As Canadians vote today (April 28), Trump delivered a message to voters through his Truth Social page.
The Republican figure wrote: “Good luck to the Great people of Canada. Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the World, have your Car, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, Energy, and all other businesses, QUADRUPLE in size, WITH ZERO TARIFFS OR TAXES, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st.
“State of the United States of America. No more artificially drawn line from many years ago. Look how beautiful this land mass would be.
“Free access with NO BORDER. ALL POSITIVES WITH NO NEGATIVES. IT WAS MEANT TO BE! America can no longer subsidize Canada with the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars a year that we have been spending in the past. It makes no sense unless Canada is a State!”
Poilievre has responded to Trump’s comments, urging the former president to ‘stay out of our election’.
The Conservative leader stated: “The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box.
“Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.
“Today Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen our country, stand on our own two feet and stand up to America from a position of strength.”
Carney has not yet responded to Trump’s statements.