'Wants Benefits Of Being US State': Trump Revives '51st State' Jibe Amid Tariff Tussle

US President Donald Trump has revived his controversial “51st state” remark against Canada amid a fresh tariff dispute between the two neighbours, accusing Ottawa of seeking the similar benefits given to US states "without being one".

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised Canada’s trade policies and alleged that the country had imposed heavy tariffs on American farmers for years.

“Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!” Trump wrote.

The remarks came after Canada announced plans to retaliate against new US tariffs, escalating tensions between the two countries.

'51st State Of US'

Trump has repeatedly said that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States, a remark he first made during his 2025 presidential campaign and continued after returning to the White House.

He has linked the idea to ongoing trade disagreements, arguing that closer integration could resolve economic disputes between the two countries.

The latest comments followed Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian goods after trade negotiations between the two sides failed.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada had declined to finalise a trade agreement under the terms discussed earlier.

Greer said Washington had offered tariff reductions in sectors such as steel and aluminium, but the talks failed to reach a conclusion.

Carney Announces ‘Dollar-For-Dollar’ Response

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hit back at the US tariff move, announcing that Ottawa would impose matching tariffs on American products.

Carney said Canada would respond with a “dollar-for-dollar” approach to protect its workers, farmers, families and businesses.

“Canada will match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar to protect Canadian workers, farmers, families, and businesses,” Carney said.

The Canadian government said the retaliatory measures would target sectors including US steel, dairy and electronics and would come into effect from September 8.

Calling the US tariff decision an “attack on Canada”, Carney said his government would focus on safeguarding the country’s economic interests.

Trade Talks Collapse Over US Demands

Carney said negotiations with Washington had initially progressed but broke down after the US introduced new terms that Canada considered unacceptable.

“In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermined the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal,” Carney said.

He added, “We cannot accept what they’ve offered, and we will not give what they’ve asked.”

Carney also alleged that some US demands involved restrictions affecting Canada’s ability to negotiate future trade agreements and issues related to French language and Quebec culture.

Tariffs Put Billions Of Trade At Risk

The new US tariffs, which came into effect on Saturday, are expected to affect around $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including products ranging from hockey sticks to other exports.

Canada is heavily dependent on trade with the US, with Washington accounting for nearly 70% of Canadian exports.

Despite the economic ties, Carney said Canada would work towards expanding trade and military partnerships with other countries.

The latest tariff dispute marks another escalation in relations between the two North American neighbours, with both governments accusing each other of adopting unfair trade measures.