Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he will resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as prime minister in the coming days. He has faced criticism over the economy and his response to a tariff threat from President-elect Donald Trump.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide, competitive process,” he said at a news conference in Ottawa.
“Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process,” Trudeau added. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Trudeau, 53, has led Canada’s Liberal Party for 11 years and has served as the country’s prime minister for nine. The party will hold a caucus Wednesday, and Trudeau will resign that day.
Polling suggests the Liberal Party enjoys only 16% support ahead of the Canadian elections. The elections will take place on or before Oct. 20.
Last month, Trump urged Canada to help the U.S. address its border crisis, and he threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa refuses. While more illegal aliens cross the U.S.-Mexico border, many also cross America’s northern border.
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland quit her job in December, hours before she had been scheduled to deliver an annual fiscal update. Freeland said Trudeau had tried to demote her after she disagreed with Trudeau about how Canada was handling Trump’s tariff threat.
Trump responded to Trudeau’s announcement with a post on Truth Social.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” he joked. “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.”
“If Canada merged with the U.S., 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. “Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
Trump’s humor aside, there is no sign that Canada is contemplating joining the U.S.