Trump ‘Jokingly’ Calls PM Trudeau ‘Governor of the Great State of Canada’ Amid Trade Tensions

US President-elect Donald Trump took a jab at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as the “Governor of the Great State of Canada” in a late-night post on his Truth Social platform. The remark, laced with Trump’s trademark humor, came as the two leaders recently dined at Mar-a-Lago amid ongoing discussions about trade and tariffs.

“It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in-depth talks on tariffs and trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all!”

The lighthearted comment has sparked mixed reactions, though neither Trudeau’s office nor Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, offered further elaboration. Cheung only quipped, “It’s so good.”

This isn’t the first time Trump has suggested integrating Canada into the U.S. During their Mar-a-Lago dinner, he reportedly joked that Canada should become the 51st state. The comment was confirmed by two unnamed attendees, according to Fox News.

Trump echoed the sentiment last week during an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, where he argued that tariffs on Canada and Mexico could benefit the U.S. economy. “We’re subsidizing Canada to the tune of over $100 billion a year. If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state,” he stated, drawing a direct link between trade deficits and potential statehood.

In response, Trudeau emphasized Canada’s resilience in trade disputes. “As we did eight years ago, we will respond to unfair tariffs,” he told reporters, referencing his approach during Trump’s first term.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford added his own dose of humor to the exchange, referencing the War of 1812. “It’s a funny comment. I guess he’s still upset that, you know, in 1812, we burnt down your White House, and he’s holding a grudge after 212 years,” Ford joked during a Fox News interview.

The idea of Canadian statehood even drew a tongue-in-cheek response from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. On X (formerly Twitter), Sanders mused, “Does that mean we can adopt Canada’s health care system and guarantee health care to all?”

The meeting between Trump and Trudeau on November 30 was described as “productive” by the president-elect. Discussions reportedly covered pressing issues such as the opioid crisis, immigration, and trade agreements. Trudeau, speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, called the conversation “excellent” but declined further comment.

As the world watches the evolving dynamics between Canada and the U.S., these light-hearted exchanges underscore the complexity of the bilateral relationship. While Trump’s remarks may be humorous, they highlight the ongoing debates about trade policies and national sovereignty that could shape North America’s economic future.