PALM BEACH, United States, Feb 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump on 
Sunday called again for Canada to become a US state, heightening tensions 
further with one of his country's closest allies after hitting it with heavy 
tariffs.

While claiming the United States pays "hundreds of billions of dollars to 
SUBSIDIZE Canada," apparently referring to the US trade deficit with its 
neighbor, Trump said "without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as 
a viable Country."

"Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State," he wrote on his 
Truth social media platform, claiming the move would bring "much lower taxes, 
and far better military protection for the people of Canada - AND NO 
TARIFFS!"