Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party following threats and taunts from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who referred to Canada as the “51st state” and threatened tariffs.
Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of his nine-year tenure as pressure mounted within his own party, which is significantly trailing the opposition Conservative Party in the polls.
Trump was asked on Tuesday if he planned to use military force to incorporate Canada as the 51st state. He responded by saying he would rely on “economic force,” suggesting that eliminating the “artificially drawn line” between the two nations would be a significant step.
Trudeau, 53, who will remain in office until his party selects a successor, made the announcement from his Rideau Cottage residence on Monday. He stated, “I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a competitive, nationwide process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am fighting internal battles, I cannot be the best option for that election.”
