Donald Trump’s verbal threats towards Canada are paying off for one entrepreneur, after the new US president’s belligerent approach gave him an idea.

Liam Mooney, founder of an Ottawa-based design firm, made a hat emblazoned with “Canada is Not for Sale” in response to Trump’s tariff threats and suggestions that Canada become the 51st US state.

The hats gained attention after Ontario Premier Doug Ford wore one during a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers in Ottawa last week to discuss Trump’s vow to impose tariffs on imports from Canada.

According to Mooney, tens of thousands of hats have been ordered online since then. 

Mooney told Reuters he designed the hats as a creative rebuttal to President Trump’s rhetoric, aiming to cut through political discourse with a message of nationalism and unity. 

“It’s an opportunity to bring people together from all of civil society, regardless of political persuasion,” Mooney said.       

Tariffs would cripple Canada’s economy and also raise the price of oil and other goods in the United States.

Trump is threatening tariffs at a time of political turmoil in Canada, with Liberal leader Trudeau set to resign in March after nearly a decade in power and the opposition Conservatives leading in the polls ahead of a federal election later this year. 

Mooney said that he and his business partner designed the hats after seeing one of Ford’s recent interviews on Fox News. The host urged the premier to consider annexation, suggesting it would be a “privilege” for Canada to merge with the US

Ford responded that Canada is not for sale.

Trump, speaking via video to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, said he demanded respect from Canada. He has previously addressed Trudeau as “Governor.”

“Our sovereignty is threatened when our dignity is disrespected,” Mooney said. “We have allies and we have friends all around the world who are ready to rise to the call and defend us and join in.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

File picture of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Hours after the resignation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday (January 6, 2024) renewed his offer of making Canada the 51st state of the United States.

Mr. Trudeau, 53, announced his resignation Monday as his ruling Liberal Party forced him amidst his growing unpopularity. General elections are scheduled this year. The Canadian prime minister said that he would stay on as prime minister till the party elected a new leader.

Mr. Trump, 78, who never had a good relationship with Mr. Trudeau even during his first term from 2017-2021, has been floating the idea of making Canada the 51st state of the United States ever since he met Mr. Trudeau after his November 5 electoral victory in Mar-a-Lago. Thereafter, he has been mentioning this on his social media posts several times.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. 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,” Mr. Trump said on Truth Social.

“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. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” said the president-elect after the resignation of Mr. Trudeau on Monday.

There has not been much reaction to Mr. Trump’s proposal from the Canadian side.

Mr. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports if Toronto is not able top stop the flow of illicit drugs and illegal migrants from its southern border with the US.

In some of the posts, Mr. Trump even mocked Mr. Trudeau as “Governor of the Great State of Canada”.