Minister LeBlanc Takes Trump’s 51st State Talk Seriously

January 8, 2025 TruthUSA

He initially viewed it as light-hearted banter, but Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is no longer finding humor in U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions of a potential merger between the U.S. and Canada.

“I believe he has moved beyond the realm of jest,” LeBlanc remarked in French during a discussion with reporters in Ottawa on Jan. 8 before the Liberal caucus gathering.

LeBlanc was present at Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 29, 2024, when the incoming president first proposed the idea of Canada becoming the “51st” U.S. state under the leadership of “governor” Justin Trudeau.

The meeting occurred shortly after Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods due to border security concerns. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly informed Trump that such retaliatory actions would severely harm the Canadian economy. In response, Trump suggested that if Canada couldn’t thrive with a $100 billion trade surplus with the United States, merging with its neighboring country might be a viable solution, according to Fox News.

When asked about the statement following the meeting, LeBlanc indicated that Trump was merely joking, citing the friendly banter between him and Trudeau.

Subsequently, variations of Trump’s remarks about integrating Canada into the U.S. have become a regular occurrence, whether through social media posts or press briefings.

During a recent incident on Jan. 7, Trump stated his intentions of potentially employing “economic force” to unite Canada with the United States.

“The collaboration between Canada and the United States would pose an interesting scenario,” Trump declared at a press briefing at Mar-a-Lago. “By eliminating that artificially-drawn [border] line and considering the potential outcome, it could also significantly enhance national security.”

In response, LeBlanc criticized Trump’s approach as increasingly “counterproductive.”

“It serves as a tactic to create uncertainty, needlessly aggravate individuals,” the minister expressed before the Liberal caucus meeting. “We acknowledge that the notion of merging will never materialize. Instead, the focus should be on collaboration in areas such as border security, immigration, and the economy.”

Trudeau also responded to Trump’s recent statement on Jan. 7, affirming that “there is absolutely no chance that Canada would join the United States.”

Border Plan

LeBlanc initially visited Mar-a-Lago in November as the public safety minister to develop a security strategy for the border, with specifics unveiled in mid-December. This initiative includes a budget of $1.3 billion for acquiring surveillance and detection equipment, along with proposing the establishment of a cross-border task force to combat drug trafficking.

LeBlanc returned to Mar-a-Lago in late December to discuss the border strategy, this time as the finance minister following Chrystia Freeland’s replacement, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly.

Joly emphasized the necessity to take Trump’s statements “very seriously.”

“I don’t underestimate his threats. However, we must not take the bait, and we must also acknowledge our nation’s strength,” she remarked.

The newly appointed Public Safety Minister David McGuinty refrained from confirming whether the strategy to counter Trump’s tariff warning had been dismissed by the incoming U.S. administration. Trump reiterated his threat to impose significant tariffs on Canada on Jan. 7.

McGuinty underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance border security, with the RCMP commissioner scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., on Jan. 10. The minister also indicated his intention to visit in two weeks.

“I aim to present the progress we’ve made when I visit,” he mentioned before the caucus meeting.

The Liberal government faces a demanding schedule with Trump’s inauguration slated for Jan. 20 and an internal leadership race post Trudeau’s announcement of stepping down.

LeBlanc, who was considered a potential candidate for Trudeau’s replacement, announced that he will not contest for the leadership position. The minister confirmed his focus on addressing the tariff threat.

McGuinty, a long-serving MP who received his inaugural cabinet role in a Dec. 20 reshuffle, also emphasized his lack of interest in pursuing leadership. When queried by journalists, he dismissed the notion entirely.

Joly disclosed that she is contemplating whether to enter the leadership race, weighing the impact on her family.

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