Trump repeats musings about taking control of Canada and Greenland

President-elect Donald Trump has repeated his seemingly far-fetched suggestions that the US should take over Greenland and Canada, the latter coming hours after long-standing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.

Trudeau stepped down on Monday, citing internal battles and an unproductive government. "This country deserves a real choice," the now-former leader said, bringing an end to almost a decade in power.

In response, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that if Canada merged with the US: "there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be totally secure from the threat of the Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them."

Trump added, "The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned."

It's not the first time Trump has mused about Canada becoming part of the US. In December he claimed that "many" Canadians wanted the nations to merge, however, a recent Leger poll suggests that the number is around 13%.

Trudeau announced he would be stepping down both as prime minister and as leader of his ruling Liberal party, which will hold a fresh leadership contest to replace him.

Critics suggested the timing of his resignation was ill-thought-out, as it comes weeks before Trump is set to be inaugurated as president of the US. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods on his first day in power.

"The resignation means there is now very little that Trudeau can do now to stave off Trump's tariff threat," former Canadian ambassador to the US David MacNaughton told CBC News on Monday.

MacNaughton said Trudeau should have made the move