Trump has escalated trade tensions with Canada by announcing a series of retaliatory tariffs and threatening further economic measures unless Canada eliminates key trade barriers. In response to Ontario’s newly imposed 25% tariff on electricity exports to the U.S., Trump declared a National Emergency on electricity in affected regions and ordered an increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, effective March 12. Additionally, he warned that unless Canada drops what he called “outrageous” dairy tariffs, he will impose higher tariffs on Canadian automobiles starting April 2, a move that could damage the nation’s auto industry. Beyond economic measures, Trump again reiterated his desire for absorbing Canada as the United States’ 51st state. Framing the current border as an outdated concept, he argued, “The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful Nation anywhere in the World.”