U.S. President-elect Donald Trump continued to criticize Canada, claiming that many Canadians want their country to "become the 51st state" to enjoy tax benefits.

"No one can explain why we are subsidizing Canada with over $100 million every year. It’s absurd. Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state of the U.S. They’d save a lot on taxes and gain military protection. Great idea. The 51st state!!!" President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on December 18.

This is not the first time Trump has used the concept of subsidies to refer to the U.S. trade deficit with Canada.

However, in an interview with NBC earlier this month, Trump claimed that the U.S. "subsidizes Canada by more than $100 billion annually," not $100 million as stated in his Truth Social post. He also accused Mexico of benefiting "nearly $300 billion annually" without providing sources for these figures. In 2018, Trump complained on Twitter (now X) that Canada "profits nearly $100 billion from trade with the U.S." In recent weeks, the President-elect has repeatedly "half-jokingly" suggested that Canada could merge with the U.S. to avoid tariffs once he assumes office.

These remarks began after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in late November in an effort to persuade the President-elect to reconsider his warning of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Trump’s comments have faced harsh criticism from Canadian politicians.

Elizabeth May, leader of Canada’s Green Party, said Trump’s "jokes" were not amusing and were causing increasing anxiety among Canadians. She called on Canada’s political parties to unite in defending the country’s image and to be "extremely vigilant" regarding the President-elect.

Nonetheless, in response to Trump’s tariff threats, the Canadian government announced a $900 million border management reform plan on December 17.

Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the plan as a means to cut off the "flow of illegal drugs" and end the "uncontrolled migration" at the border, both of which Trump had cited in his 25% tariff threats against Canada. LeBlanc asserted that the reforms would maintain free movement and trade with the U.S., essential for North America’s prosperity.

Most of the budget will be allocated to drug investigations, police equipment, enhanced cooperation with U.S. law enforcement, information sharing, and border traffic management. Canada also plans to establish an aerial border surveillance force using helicopters and drones.

(Sources: Fox, BBC, BNN)