The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that President Donald Trump is pursuing a stealth annexation strategy by securing interests in two Canadian mining companies, aiming for access to critical minerals and applying pressure on Ottawa for a potential "merger" with Canada. The Globe's Rita Trichur writes that his interest in having Canada as the 51st state is clear, with the U.S. government's investments in Lithium Americas and Trilogy Metals coinciding with Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Washington. Similar to Mr. Trump's trade war, it showcased economic dominance over Canada. His recent speculation about uniting the two countries in front of Mr. Carney underscores the national-security risks tied to Washington's investments in the Canadian miners. The U.S. government is taking a 5-per-cent interest in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada. Additionally, it is acquiring a 10-per-cent interest in Trilogy Metals, with the option to increase its position later. Trilogy holds a 50-per-cent interest in the Upper Kobuk mineral projects in Alaska, which contain copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. The government will also have the right to nominate a director to Trilogy s board.