Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he intends to resign as party leader and prime minister after pressure from within his own Liberal Party increasingly grew amid heightened criticisms over his handling of the economy and threats levied by President-elect Donald Trump. He said he will resign once the party selects a new leader. 

“The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism,” she continued, urging the prime minister to show more backbone when it comes to standing up to Trump and his “coming tariff war.”

The comments made by Freeland sent shockwaves across the Canadian government, with many backing her calls to show strength in the face of the potentially tough economic times ahead. 

Trudeau, who appointed close friend Dominic LeBlanc to take over as finance minister, later held a special meeting with his caucus, during which, according to LeBlanc, he said that he “heard very clearly, and listened carefully to their concerns, and he would reflect on it.”

President Donald Trump, left, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talk prior to a NATO round table meeting at The Grove hotel and resort in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Dec. 4, 2019.  (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

Trudeau’s resignation means the Liberal Party can appoint an interim prime minister to lead the country until the elections next fall, giving them potentially a fighting chance to bring renewed support back to the Liberal Party. 

It remains unclear who will likely take over Trudeau’s seat, but LeBlanc – who also met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence earlier this month alongside the former prime minister – was reported to be a leading contender.

Trump reacted to Trudeau’s resignation in a post to TRUTHSocial later Monday. 

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” the president-elect wrote. “The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned. If Canada merged with the U.S., 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. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”