Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau firmly dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of using “economic force” to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

“There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States,” Trudeau stated in a post on X. “Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.”

There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.

Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other’s biggest trading and security partner.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 7, 2025

During remarks at Mar-a-Lago, Trump was asked whether he might consider using military force to annex Canada. “No, economic force,” he replied. “Because Canada and the United States, that would really be something.”

Trump, who has frequently criticized Canada’s trade surplus with the United States, also described the border between the two nations as an “artificially drawn line.” Additionally, he threatened a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, which relies on the U.S. market for 75% of its exports.

Earlier in the day, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly responded to Trump’s comments, saying they “show a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country … We will never back down in the face of threats.”

Trudeau, who announced his plan to step down as Liberal Party leader on Monday, emphasized Canada’s independence and resilience. His decision follows mounting pressure from lawmakers concerned about the party’s declining popularity.

I will always fight for this country, and do what I believe is in the best interest of Canadians. pic.twitter.com/AE2nSsx5Nu

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 7, 2025

With the next federal election required by October 20, polls suggest a likely landslide victory for the opposition Conservatives.

Canada will never be the 51st state. Period.

We are a great and independent country.

We are the best friend to the U.S. We spent billions of dollars and hundreds of lives helping Americans retaliate against Al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks. We supply the U.S. with billions of dollars of…

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 7, 2025

“Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country,” Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre posted on X.