Honestly, it feels like an era just slammed shut. On January 6, 2025, Justin Trudeau stood outside Rideau Cottage and told the world he was done. Well, not "done" done immediately, but he set the wheels in motion to step down as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. Now that we are into 2026, looking back at that moment reveals a lot more than just a tired politician giving up the ghost. If you’ve been wondering justin trudeau why is he resigning, the answer isn't a single "gotcha" moment. It’s a messy cocktail of tanking poll numbers, a literal revolt from his own friends, and a looming shadow from south of the border that he just couldn't shake.
You've probably seen the headlines. For a decade, Trudeau was the face of "sunny ways" and progressive politics. But by the time he pulled the plug, those sunnier days had turned into a pretty bleak thunderstorm.
The Internal Mutiny No One Saw Coming
Politics is a blood sport, and Trudeau found out the hard way that loyalty has an expiration date. For months leading up to his announcement, the Liberal backbench was basically on fire. Nearly two dozen of his own MPs signed a letter telling him it was time to go. That’s not just a polite suggestion; that’s a "we’re going to lose our jobs if you stay" kind of ultimatum.
The real dagger, though? It came from Chrystia Freeland.
His deputy and long-time right hand didn't just walk away; she left with a bang in December 2024. She publicly questioned if Trudeau was actually equipped to handle a second Donald Trump term. When your own number two starts doubting your ability to protect the country’s economy from a trade war, the writing isn't just on the wall—it’s written in neon lights. Trudeau admitted during his resignation speech that he couldn't keep fighting "internal battles" while trying to lead a country. It was basically an admission that he'd lost the locker room.
Why the Public Turned So Fast
- The Housing Nightmare: You can’t talk about Trudeau's exit without talking about rent. In some parts of Canada, house prices jumped 40% in just a few years. For Gen Z and Millennials, the "Canadian Dream" became a joke under his watch, and they blamed him personally.
- Inflation Fatigue: Even though inflation started to cool by mid-2024, the damage was done. Grocery bills were up 21% compared to a few years prior. People were angry every time they went to the checkout line.
- The "Wacko" Factor: Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, spent years branding Trudeau as "weak" and out of touch. Whether you like Poilievre or not, the "wacko" and "governor" labels started to stick.
The Trump Shadow and the 25% Threat
Then there’s the orange elephant in the room.
Donald Trump’s return to the White House changed the math for Canada instantly. Trump didn't just criticize Trudeau; he mocked him. He called him a "governor" of the "great state of Canada" and threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. For an economy that relies on the U.S. for basically everything, that’s an existential threat.
Trudeau tried the Mar-a-Lago charm offensive. He flew down there, had the steak dinner, and tried to play nice. It didn't work. The perception back home was that he was "cowering." Canadians wanted a "street fighter" to handle Trump, and the polls showed they didn't think Trudeau was the guy for the job. Trump even posted on social media after the resignation, claiming Trudeau "knew this and resigned" because Canada couldn't survive without U.S. subsidies.
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Justin Trudeau Why Is He Resigning? The Numbers Don't Lie
If you want the cold, hard data on justin trudeau why is he resigning, look at his approval ratings. In 2015, he was sitting pretty at 63%. By the end of 2024, he had cratered to about 27%. You can't lead a minority government with those numbers.
The Liberals lost a massive by-election in Montreal—a place they never lose. That was the "holy crap" moment for the party. It signaled that the brand was toxic. If Montreal was turning its back on a Trudeau, the rest of the country was already long gone. He knew that if he stayed, he wasn't just losing an election; he was leading the Liberal Party into a historic, soul-crushing defeat.
What Happened After the Announcement?
Trudeau didn't just walk out the door that day. He asked Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue (suspend) Parliament until March 24, 2025. This gave the Liberals breathing room to find someone else. That someone ended up being Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada governor.
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Since Carney took over in early 2025, the vibe has shifted. The Liberals managed to win a general election in April 2025, though they barely scraped by. We're now in 2026, and the "Carney government" is still dealing with the exact same problems Trudeau left behind: trade wars, housing, and a very aggressive Conservative opposition.
The Legacy of a Ten-Year Run
It’s easy to focus on the scandals—the Aga Khan trip, the WE Charity mess, the surfing vacation on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Those things definitely eroded trust. But Trudeau's supporters will point to the legalization of cannabis, the Canada Child Benefit, and his handling of the pandemic as his real marks on history.
Honestly, it was mostly just "time." In Canada, governments have a shelf life. Most don't make it past ten years. Trudeau hit that wall at 100 mph.
What You Should Do Now
If you're following the fallout of the Trudeau era in 2026, keep your eyes on these three things:
- The CUSMA Review: The trade deal with the U.S. and Mexico is up for review this year. This is the ultimate test for the post-Trudeau Liberals.
- The Supreme Court Ethics Case: There’s still a legal battle over the WE Charity ethics ruling involving Trudeau that’s hitting the Supreme Court right now. It could still tarnish his post-PM reputation.
- Interest Rates vs. Housing: Watch if the Carney administration can actually move the needle on housing starts, which was the final nail in Trudeau's political coffin.
The "Justin Trudeau why is he resigning" question is settled: he was pushed by his party, pulled down by the economy, and outmatched by a changing global landscape. Now, Canada is just trying to figure out what comes next.