Trump says he would use 'economic force' to join Canada, U.S. together

President-elect Trump stated on Tuesday that he was not considering military action to make Canada the 51st state, despite previously entertaining the idea. Instead, he indicated his intention to use "economic force" against the neighboring country.

"Because Canada and the United States, that would really be something. You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security," Trump remarked.

He expressed frustration over the U.S. spending "hundreds of billions" of dollars on Canada’s protection while facing a trade deficit. Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian imports.

Earlier in his press conference, Trump suggested that hockey legend Wayne Gretzky should consider running for prime minister of Canada following Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation from the role.

Canadian political leaders, including Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, have firmly rejected Trump’s suggestions for the U.S. to absorb Canada.

"My message to incoming President Trump is that first and foremost, Canada will never be the 51st state of the U.S.," Poilievre said in an interview late last month.