President-elect Donald Trump has sparked controversy once again with his statements about Canada, suggesting it should become the "51st state" of the United States. Trump wrote on the "Truth Social" platform on Wednesday morning: "No one can explain why we support Canada with more than $100 million a year. It's illogical! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st state. They would save a huge amount on taxes and military protection. I think the idea is great!".

Trump's statements came amid heightened tensions between Canada and the United States, particularly after he announced in late November the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports. This move shocked political and economic circles in Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford described this step as "a stab in the heart from a close friend".

In late November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where they discussed trade relations and economic tensions. However, the visit did not yield clear results regarding the avoidance of tariffs.

Later, reports emerged indicating that Trump, during the dinner, sarcastically hinted that if Canada could not cope with the consequences of the tariffs, it might be better for it to join the United States as an additional state. The controversy escalated when Trump posted a picture on "Truth Social" showing him next to the Canadian flag with the caption "Oh Canada!".

Despite Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc's assurance that Trump's statements were just a joke, the reactions were sharp. Trudeau noted plans to address the impacts of a potential second term for Trump, while Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy supplies to the United States if the tariffs were implemented.

For his part, Trump continued to refer to the idea sarcastically, addressing Trudeau as "Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada." American businessman Elon Musk also joined in the criticism, describing Trudeau on the "X" platform as "an unbearable person who will not last long in his position".

Meanwhile, Trudeau announced a five-point plan to enhance Canadian border security, with funding exceeding a billion dollars, in response to Trump's accusations about "open borders" and illegal immigration. LeBlanc stated: "We took this step to demonstrate our seriousness in protecting the borders and enhancing their security in a manner that satisfies our American partners".

In conclusion, it seems that Trump's statements, whether serious or sarcastic, have opened a new chapter of tension between the two countries, raising questions about the future of Canadian-American relations.