[RT] US President Donald Trump is unlikely to actually annex Canada by force and is simply “trolling” outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the press service of Russia’s embassy in Ottawa has told the Daily Storm.
Ahead of his inauguration on Monday, Trump had suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the US, adding that Washington could use “economic force” to absorb its northern neighbor.
In an article published on Monday, the outlet quoted the diplomats as stating that what Trump is doing “looks more like a cruel joke, an attempt to tease Canadians, trolling the current Canadian leadership,” particularly given the lack of “personal chemistry” between him and Trudeau.
The embassy is said to have suggested that it was “hardly worth talking about any attempts at a forceful takeover, an armed conflict or a split in NATO” and noted that Trump’s loud statements may be linked to upcoming trade negotiations between the US and Canada.
Trump had previously announced plans to impose sweeping tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China after he takes office, including a 25% tax on all Canadian imports to the US.
“Trump is creating division and confusion within the Canadian political establishment. In doing so, he is softening Ottawa’s position ahead of the inevitable future trade negotiations,” the diplomats told the outlet, adding that the “nervous and pliant reaction” to the provocation suggests that Trump “is already winning” in this regard. 
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