Meanwhile, Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January, became emotional as he prepared to step down. He will remain prime minister until his successor is sworn in.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called this a “nation-defining moment,” urging Liberals to stand firm in defending democracy and national interests. In response to US trade policies, Canada announced 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, with $30 billion in immediate action.

Trudeau warned that Canada must “hit back hard” to show that a trade war with them would have no winners. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump defended America’s trade stance, arguing that the US deserves more leverage.

He cautioned Trudeau that any retaliatory tariffs would be met with an equal response from the US, further escalating tensions.

During a cabinet meeting last week, Trump claimed, “We subsidize them $200 billion a year. Without us, Canada can’t make it.” He went on to say, “You know, Canada relies on us 95 percent. We rely on them 4 percent. Big difference.”

He also suggested that if Canada wanted to avoid tariffs, it should consider becoming part of the United States. “I say Canada should be our 51st state. There’s no tariffs, no nothing,” he stated.

Additionally, Trump argued that because the U.S. shoulders most of the burden for Canada’s military protection, Canada should contribute more through tariffs. “We protect Canada. But it’s not fair. It’s not fair that they’re not paying their way. And if they had to pay their way, they couldn’t exist,” he said.