
Donald Trump on Monday marked Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau鈥檚 resignation announcement by doubling down on his unlikely proposal that the country should merge with the United States.
鈥業f Canada merged with the US, 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,鈥� incoming president Trump posted on social media.
鈥楾ogether, what a great Nation it would be!!!鈥� he added.
Trudeau announced his resignation Monday, saying he would leave office as soon as his party chooses a new leader, with slumping polls and internal division taking their toll.
After more than nine years in power, Trudeau鈥檚 support within the ruling Liberal party began crumbling in 2024 due to intensifying public criticism focused on the rising cost of living.
His authority was then shaken by the surprise departure last month of his finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland.
鈥業 intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader,鈥� Trudeau told a news conference in Ottawa following a slow-rolling political crisis that saw top Liberal allies urge him to quit.
It was not immediately clear how long Trudeau, 53, would remain in office as a caretaker premier.
He said the Liberal leadership race will be 鈥榓 robust, nationwide competitive process.鈥�
That means Trudeau will continue to lead Canada when incoming US president Donald Trump takes office this month and will be tasked with leading the country鈥檚 initial response to the new US administration, including a possible trade war.
Trump has vowed to impose 25-per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports, which could prove devastating to the Canadian economy, and Trudeau has pledged to retaliate.
The US president-elect reacted to Trudeau鈥檚 quitting by again airing his unlikely proposal that Canada should merge with its southern neighbour.
鈥楾ogether, what a great Nation it would be!!!鈥� he wrote on social media.
US president Joe Biden鈥檚 outgoing administration praised Trudeau as a 鈥榮talwart friend鈥� of the United States.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Washington would 鈥榮tand with鈥� Canada and its people as they pick a new leader.