Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau May Resign Amid Growing Party Pressure

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to announce his resignation this week, according to The Globe and Mail. The report, citing three anonymous Liberal Party insiders, suggests Trudeau could make the announcement as early as Monday, just ahead of the national Liberal Party caucus meeting on Wednesday.

Internal Party Dissent and Leadership Challenges

Trudeau’s resignation comes amid rising dissent within the Liberal Party and declining popularity. Despite surviving several narrow no-confidence votes, Trudeau has faced calls for his resignation from critics within and outside his party. Questions remain about whether he will serve in an interim capacity while the party searches for new leadership.

Mounting Pressure from External Factors

Trudeau has also faced external challenges, including pressure from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. This tension led to the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December 2024 after policy disagreements with Trudeau. Freeland’s departure marked a significant crack within Trudeau’s cabinet.

In November, Trudeau visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to negotiate and avoid a potential trade war. Despite these efforts, Trump has repeatedly criticized Trudeau on social media, even suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state—a remark that sparked widespread backlash.

Declining Popularity and Leadership Turmoil

Once a political superstar, Trudeau has seen his approval ratings plummet. Public opinion polls show him trailing Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points. Trudeau, who led the Liberals to three election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2021, now faces the challenge of maintaining party unity and relevance.

Trudeau’s Legacy in Canadian Politics

Trudeau’s time as prime minister has been marked by significant achievements, including:

Introducing Senate reforms.
Signing a new trade deal with the United States.
Implementing a carbon tax to combat climate change.
Legalizing cannabis.
Launching a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Passing legislation on medically assisted suicide.

However, these accomplishments have been overshadowed by recent political challenges and declining voter confidence.

Looking Ahead

As Trudeau prepares for his potential exit, the Liberal Party faces the task of rebuilding and finding a leader capable of addressing internal and external pressures. Whether Trudeau steps down this week or later, his decision will significantly shape Canada’s political landscape ahead of the 2025 federal elections.