Thu Mar 06 18:15:51 UTC 2025: ## Trump Accuses Trudeau of Using Tariffs to Extend His Premiership

**OTTAWA/WASHINGTON D.C. –** US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack on outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing him of using the ongoing trade dispute to prolong his time in office. Trump, in multiple social media posts, claimed Trudeau is exploiting the recently imposed US tariffs on Canadian goods – tariffs Trump himself initiated – as a political maneuver.

“Trudeau is using the Tariff problem…in order to run again for Prime Minister,” Trump wrote on Thursday. Similar accusations were made on Wednesday. These claims have been widely dismissed by Canadian experts as demonstrating a misunderstanding of Canada’s political system.

The escalating tensions stem from US tariffs of 25% on most Canadian imports and 10% on oil and gas, implemented this week in response to concerns about irregular migration and drug trafficking across the US-Canada border. Canada retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods.

Trudeau, who announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader earlier this year, will step down after a new leader is chosen this Sunday. He categorically denied Trump’s accusations, stating he will not remain as prime minister in a caretaker role.

Professor Stewart Prest of the University of British Columbia called Trump’s assertions a “reckless disregard for the Canadian democratic system,” highlighting the flexibility of Canada’s parliamentary system compared to the US presidential system. While a Canadian federal election must be held by October 2020, the governing Liberals could call an earlier election. Recent polls suggest the Liberals may benefit from the current political climate.

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