Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was brought to tears during a press conference Thursday while speaking of the ongoing battle with U.S. President Donald Trump and his threats of tariffs as his days as leader of Canada wind down.
Trudeau’s final days as PM have been a roller-coaster ride, to say the least, what with the 25% levies imposed on all goods imported from Canada, Mexico and China, triggering a trade war — until the President walked back his decision with yet another executive order delaying the matter until April 2.
For months, Trump has mocked “Governor Trudeau,” and how he wants Canada as the 51st state.
And perhaps it all came to a head in Ottawa where Trudeau was discussing health care as he became visibly emotional while maintaining his “Canadians first” mindset.
“On a personal level, I made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first, and I have people’s backs, and that’s why I’m here to tell you all that we got you,” the outgoing Liberal Leader said as he began welling up.
“Even in the last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down today, and well into the future,” Trudeau continued.
“Because in the past few weeks, we’ve been working with our provincial and territorial partners to make sure that families can rely on this system, not just for years to come, but will allow this system to lock in to become something that no government a year from now, five years from now, 20 years from now, could ever go back on.”
Trudeau added that Canadians must be “very clear on the need to keep this going” as a new administration comes to power, and that he is looking forward to “a transition to my duly elected successor in the coming days or week.”
Trump, however, continued to pick on Trudeau by claiming his belief that Trudeau “is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister.”
The POTUS added on Truth Social: “So much fun to watch!”
The next Canadian election will be held no later than Oct. 20, though Brian Lilley reported Canada could see an election called as early as March 16, with voting day on April 22.
That said, the Liberal Party’s new leader – who will become PM by default – is due to be announced Sunday.
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney remains the frontrunner of the race, while ex-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland appears to be the only other candidate who can take him down.
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Trudeau announced Jan. 6 that he would step down as Liberal leader and PM after it became clear he could not win the next election and was doing more harm than good for his party.
Since then, Trudeau has fired back about Canada being annexed, declaring, “We will never be the 51st state,” and maintained Canada would not scrap retaliatory tariffs unless all U.S. levies are lifted.
He has also maintained Trump’s tariffs would not only damage the Canadian economy but mess with Americans as well.
Trudeau spoke directly to Trump earlier this week at a press conference, saying, “Now, it’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.”