Trump again pitches Canada to be 51st US state as it goes to polls

As Canadians headed to the polls on Monday, US President Donald Trump proposed that Canada relinquish its independence to become the "cherished 51st state" of the United States. 

In a Truth Social post, Trump argued that the move would erase the "artificially drawn line from many years ago" and create a unified, expansive land mass.

Trump outlined his vision, stating, “Good luck to the great people of Canada. Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power—for free—to the highest level in the world, and have your car, steel, aluminum, lumber, energy, and all other businesses quadruple in size, with zero tariffs or taxes, if Canada becomes the 51st state of the United States of America.” He added, “Free access with no border—all positives with no negatives. It was meant to be!”

Trump criticised the current economic relationship, claiming the US can no longer "subsidise Canada with hundreds of billions of dollars a year," and insisted that statehood is the only sensible solution.