America First Policy Institute's Fred Fleitz told Newsmax Friday that Canada becoming part of the United States — as President-elect Donald Trump has suggested — would be a win for the Canadian people.
"Canada has a population of only 40 million — that's tiny," Fleitz, AFPI's Center for American Security vice chair, told "Newsline." "I don't know whether the Canadians would ever agree to join the United States, but we know that economies of scale are much more efficient.
"The Canadian people would be wealthier, they'd be more secure. It's not a crazy idea if President Trump could pull that off. Both countries would do quite well."
Last week, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to question why the U.S. subsidizes Canada and suggested it should become an American state.
"No one can answer why we subsidize Canada to the tune of over $100,000,000 a year? Makes no sense!" Trump wrote. "Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State."
"They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea," he added. "51st State!!!"
The president-elect, who will return to the White House in less than a month, has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and has trolled Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in recent days following the unexpected resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
"The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau," Trump wrote. "Her behavior was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!!"
Meanwhile, key members of Trudeau’s Cabinet traveled to Florida Thursday for talks with Trump’s team, as Ottawa seeks to avert an all-out trade war with the U.S.
Newly-appointed Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly flew to Palm Beach, Florida, "to meet with officials from the incoming Trump administration," Leblanc spokesman Jean-Sebastien Comeau said in a statement to AFP.
About NEWSMAX TV:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!
- Find Newsmax channel in your home via cable and satellite systems – More Info Here
- Watch Newsmax+ on your home TV app or smartphone and watch it anywhere! Try it for FREE – See More Here: NewsmaxPlus.com
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.