Trump doubles down on '51st state' plan following Trudeau resignation

Donald Trump has used Justin Trudeau's resignation to push his claim that Canada should become the fifty-first state.

The president-elect suggested that the soon-to-be former prime minister "knew" the United States' neighbour to the north needed trade deficits and subsidies to "stay afloat."

"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned."

He went on to suggest that if Canada merged with the US, "there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them."

"Together," Trump concluded, "what a great Nation it would be!!!

Speaking outside Rideau Cottage on Monday, Trudeau announced he would be proroguing parliament until March 24, and resigning as Liberal leader and prime minister once the party has chosen a new leader.

"It's become clear to me," he said, "that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in the election."