On Camera, Trudeau Breaks Down Before Reporters Amid Trump’s Tariff Threats: ‘I Put Canadians First’

Last Updated:March 07, 2025, 09:25 IST

Trudeau mentioned Donald Trump’s presidency as one of the “complicated times” of his prime ministership. Trudeau will step down as PM after the Liberal Party chooses another leader on Sunday.

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau teared up in front of the cameras on Thursday in the final days of his tenure, as he will step down from his post after a Liberal Party leadership contest slated for this weekend.

Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January as PM and Liberal Party leader amid declining popularity ratings, will step down as Prime Minister after the party chooses a new leader on Sunday (March 9). He became emotional as he recalled the challenges during his 10-year reign.

“On a personal level, I have made sure every single day in this office, I have put Canadians first, that I have people’s backs. And that’s why I’m here to tell you all that we got you. Even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down today and long into the future,” he said, visibly emotional.

Trudeau also took a dig at Trump’s abrupt reversal on sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods by pausing them for another month, calling it, “Thursday”. His response elicited laughter from the audience. He also warned Canadians of tough times ahead.

Trudeau mentioned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Middle East crisis, and Donald Trump’s presidency as “complicated times” as he recalled challenges during his prime ministership. “I’ve had ten years of Donald Trump,” he said, adding that “serving Canadians has been the honour” of his life.

Trudeau said Canada will hold firm and push ahead with retaliatory tariffs and other measures until Trump backs off entirely on tariffs. “Our goal is to get all tariffs removed,” he added.

He also said he expects Canada and the US to be in a trade war for the “foreseeable future” after having what he called a colourful but constructive call with Trump this week.

ALSO READ: Trudeau Largely Caused Tariff Problem, Now Using It To Run Again For PM: Trump

“America First happens best when Canadians and Mexicans are prospering as well. A win-lose between us would actually be worse for them than a win-win. That’s true in international trade, in relations between nation-states. It, perhaps, is not true in real estate deals,” he further said, in an apparent dig at Trump’s aggressive policies.

Trudeau announced his resignation as PM and Liberal Party leader on January 6, following months of declining poll numbers and growing internal division. His announcement follows increasing calls from his party for him to step down amidst a protracted political crisis.

This development comes as Trudeau’s popularity has declined in months leading up to his announcement, with his government narrowly surviving several no-confidence votes and critics calling for his resignation. He had pledged to stay on and lead the Liberals into the elections but has faced increased pressure, especially from incoming US president Donald Trump, who has constantly been threatening a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.

In December, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned after disagreeing with Trudeau over how to handle Trump’s proposed tariffs, marking the first public dissent within his cabinet. In response, Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet later that month, replacing a third of his team in an effort to manage the growing political turmoil.