Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is resigning, ending nearly a decade in power as America's northern neighbor descends into political crisis.

The bombshell news comes weeks after Trudeau met with Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago in an effort to appease the president-elect, who has threatened to nuke Canada's economy with tariffs.

Trump has taken delight in mocking the embattled prime minister, dubbing him governor of the 51st U.S. state as Canada soured on his leadership.

Trump trolls Trudeau

In the wake of Trudeau's resignation, Trump is once again broaching the idea of annexing Canada.

"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. 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," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"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!!!" he added.

Elected prime minister in 2015, Trudeau was once seen as a rising star of the left.

During his nearly ten years in power, the son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau was an outspoken advocate of "diversity," mass immigration, and reconciliation with indigenous people.

The soft-spoken liberal was labeled a tyrant by critics, especially after a draconian crackdown on truckers who protested COVID restrictions.

Fall from grace

Trudeau's political fortunes took a turn after the pandemic, as he invited a historic influx of immigrants into Canada that sent housing prices soaring.

As economic discontent simmered, Trudeau's approval ratings crashed and his Liberal Party, facing annihilation in 2025 elections, turned on their longtime leader.

Trudeau's position weakened in December when one of his closest allies, finance minister Chrystia Freeland, resigned over his fiscal stewardship and handling of Trump's tariff threat.

"Our country is facing a grave challenge," Freeland wrote in her resignation letter. "That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war."

In a speech Monday, Trudeau said he could not lead Canada while fighting "internal battles."

"I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process," Trudeau said.