United States President-elect Donald Trump, meanwhile, mocked Canada and Mexico Fox Nation Awards ceremony in New York on Thursday.
The event celebrating Trump as “Patriot of the Year” included chants of “51! 51! 51!” From the audience, Trump’s remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st US state.
The song follows Trump’s comments about threatening Canada with a 25 percent tariff on imports. Trump described his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Mar-a-Lago, where he suggested the tariffs would destroy Canada’s economy.
While Canadian officials dismissed Trump’s remarks as a joke, he made no attempt to clarify them during his speech.
“Justin flew right in because we talked about the 25 percent tariff. It’s just the beginning,” Trump said, as the crowd erupted in chants. “I appreciate all that anger and love,” Trump replied.
At the same event, Trump also discussed his call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, claiming that his threat of tariffs had quickly stemmed illegal immigration.
He described Sheinbaum as a “very nice woman,” but reiterated her tough stance, saying, “You’re allowing criminals into our country, and we can’t allow that anymore.” In contrast, Scheinbaum characterized the talks as “charitable” and ruled out any threat of a tariff war.
During the 10-minute address, Trump outlined a plan to reform immigration, propose mass deportations and tighten election laws, including voter ID requirements and one-day voting. Trump also praised his first-term accomplishments, such as building a 571-mile border wall.
The event highlighted Trump’s rapprochement with Fox News, with Sean Hannity presenting the award.
Trump also praised Fox while blasting anonymous critics at the network. The ceremony also honored figures such as actor Kirk Cameron and the late NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.