Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a talk with business leaders, said Canada’s wealth of critical minerals are behind Mr. Trump’s comments about making its northern neighbor a U.S. state.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says President Donald Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state is “a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

Trudeau's comments came after the media had been ushered out of the room. They were heard by gathered journalists because the prime minister did not realize he was still speaking into a hot mic. The comment saying Trump's threat to annex the Great North being a "real thing" was the last thing overheard by reporters before his mic was cut.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said President Donald Trump's aim to take over Canada is a "real thing." AP Photo. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was captured on a

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday said U.S. President Donald Trump's talk about absorbing Canada "is a real thing" and is linked to the country's rich natural resources, a government source said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told executives gathered at an economic summit on Friday that he believes US President Donald Trump’s desire to annex the northern nation “is a real thing” due to its abundance of critical minerals.