Trump responds to Trudeau's resignation by suggesting Canada merge with the United States

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal leader comes just two weeks before Donald Trump takes office as US president, while threatening to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all imports from Canada from day one.

Trudeau said he would remain prime minister until his successor is chosen, creating the prospect that Canada will have a lame duck head of government, just as its largest trading partner hits its exports with tariffs high customs duties.

The resignation means there is little Trudeau can do to stave off Trump's tariff threat, said David MacNaughton, whom Trudeau appointed Canada's ambassador to the United States in 2016.

“The reality is that today you announce your resignation, your power and influence dissipates almost immediately,” MacNaughton told CBC News on Monday.

He says Trudeau should have made this decision months ago to ensure the government was prepared for Trump's potential return to the White House.

“We're going to be in for a few months of uncertainty right now…and in the meantime, Trump is feeling pretty arrogant these days.”

Trudeau had dinner with US President-elect Donald Trump in December. Trump called the meeting “very productive” on his social media platform, Truth Social. (@JustinTrudeau/X)

Trudeau's resignation leaves Canada and its economy vulnerable to whatever Trump plans to impose, says Xavier Delgado, a senior program associate at the Wilson Center's Canada Institute in Washington.

“It is a remarkable moment for the prime minister to announce his resignation,” Delgado said. “In the context of Canada-U.S. relations, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

“Canadians LOVE being the 51st state”

Trump responded to Trudeau's resignation with a message on his Truth Social platform.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st state. The United States can no longer endure the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned,” Trump said in his message.

“If Canada merged with the United States,” Trump continued, “there would be no tariffs, taxes would go down dramatically, and they would be TOTALLY safe from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships surrounding them together, what a great nation it would be!!!”

Trudeau's decision to resign raises questions about how the government will handle negotiations with the Trump administration.

WATCH | Trudeau promises to stay focused on the tariff threat:

Trudeau says Liberal leadership race won't distract from Trump's tariff threat

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Liberal government would remain “singularly focused” on protecting Canadian interests and continue to “fight for the economy” even as the party embarks on a leadership race following the announcement of his resignation.

“By announcing his resignation, Trudeau effectively becomes a lame-duck prime minister,” Delgado said. “He doesn't really have a mandate, since people here in Washington know he won't be around much longer.”

Trudeau cites need to 'defend Canadians'

At his news conference outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau was asked how the government could protect Canada from the tariff threat if top cabinet ministers were absorbed in a leadership race.

“The government and cabinet will remain very focused on the work Canadians elected us to do in 2021, that is, fighting for their interests, defending their well-being, and ensuring that Canadians… ) be protected and strong,” he added. ” Trudeau said.

“I can assure you that the tools and the need to defend Canadians, to protect Canadians in their interests and to continue to fight for the economy, are things that all members of this government will be singularly focused on.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves a news conference after announcing his resignation as Liberal leader in front of Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

Trudeau did not directly answer a question about whether Liberal leadership candidates would be required to leave their positions during the race.

Several senior ministers working on the Canada-U.S. file, including Foreign Affairs Minister MlanieJoly and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, are considered contenders for the leadership.

The two traveled to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in late December to meet with two of the president-elect's cabinet members and brief them on Ottawa's plan to improve border security, for which Trump asked if Canada hopes to avoid crushing tariffs.

WATCH | Ontario Premier Urges Trudeau to Plan for Possible Tariffs:

Ford says Trudeau must focus on Trump's tariff threats before resigning

Speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Justin Trudeau's top priority before he resigns should be developing a plan to avoid Donald Trump's tariff threat.

Trudeau's resignation “could not have come at a worse time for the U.S.-Canada relationship,” said Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, an organization made up of business leaders from both country.

“The government is in caretaker mode,” Dawson said in an interview with CBC News. [with the U.S.]I just can't afford to be put on hold like this. “

Dawson says she's not sure whether Trudeau's resignation puts Trump in a stronger negotiating position on tariffs, but she says it means Canada now lacks the ability to respond quickly and decisively. agility to any new issues raised by Trump.

“Who drives this bus?” she asked. “There is no leadership.”

President Joe Biden's press secretary described Trudeau as “a loyal friend of the United States” in comments to reporters Monday.

“We have worked closely on the full range of issues facing our countries and the world as close allies, neighbors and members of the G7,” said Karine Jean-Pierre. “The President is grateful for the Prime Minister’s partnership in all of this and his commitment to defending North America against the geopolitical threats of the 21st century.”

WATCH | What happens when Parliament is prorogued? :

Prorogation of Parliament, explained

In addition to announcing his resignation from his position as Liberal leader and Prime Minister once a new leader is chosen, Justin Trudeau says he has asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24. Here's everything you need to know about what it means and what happens next. .

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