Trump Insists Canada Should Be U.S. State, Cites $200 Billion Subsidy, Amid NATO Meeting

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on tariffs and his desire for Canada to become a U.S. state during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump stated that the U.S. cannot continue to subsidize Canada to the tune of $200 billion annually, asserting that Canada 'only works as a state' and that the border between the two countries is an 'artificial line' that 'makes no sense.' Trump expressed his admiration for Canada, mentioning his fondness for the national anthem, 'O Canada,' and suggested that it could be retained as the anthem for the state. He emphasized that the U.S. does not need Canadian resources such as cars, energy, or lumber, and argued that integrating Canada as a state would make the U.S. 'the most incredible country visually.' The president's comments come amid ongoing trade tensions, with Trump refusing to 'bend at all' on tariffs related to aluminum, steel, and cars. He also mentioned his interest in acquiring Greenland, though NATO's Rutte declined to comment on the matter, focusing instead on the importance of Arctic security.