Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the annexation of the country by the U.S., mentioned by former President Donald Trump, poses a very real threat.
According to CNN, his remarks were made during an event when he believed the microphone was off and the journalists had already left the room.
Two Canadian business leaders present at the meeting confirmed these comments.
"Trump implies that the easiest way is simply to engulf our country, and this is a real threat. In my conversations with him about… " – Trudeau said, after which the microphone unexpectedly turned off.
It is known that the Prime Minister made this comment following an official speech at the Canada-U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto, after media representatives had already exited the room.
However, the Prime Minister of Canada firmly rejected this notion, stating that his country will never become part of the U.S.
Tensions between the two nations escalated on February 1, when the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. In response, the Canadian government announced similar 25% tariffs on American imports, including alcohol and fruits.
Trudeau emphasized that the U.S. decision created an “sense of betrayal” among Canadians, who have always supported America – from joint participation in the war in Afghanistan to assistance during natural disasters.
However, Washington later agreed to temporarily suspend the tariffs for Canada. This was made possible after Ottawa promised to enhance border control and invest more in combating drug cartels.