In a dramatic political comeback, Canada’s Liberal Party secured a surprise victory in Monday’s federal election — and newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney wasted no time calling out U.S. President Donald Trump in a fiery, late-night speech.
“America wants our land, our water, our resources, our country — never,” Carney declared before a cheering crowd in Ottawa. “These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us.”
Despite his pointed accusations, Carney said he intends to meet with Trump to address what he described as “a crisis we did not create,” vowing to stand firm in a looming trade showdown: “We will win this trade war with America.”
The Liberal resurgence marks a stunning turnaround for a party widely expected to suffer major losses just weeks ago. Analysts credit the upset victory in part to Trump’s recent inflammatory remarks about Canada, including his suggestion that it should become the United States’ “51st state” and that Canada “would cease to exist” without U.S. trade.
As of 2 a.m. Eastern, the Liberals had either won or were leading in 167 of Canada’s 343 electoral districts — up from their previous 150 seats. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, trailed with 145 districts.
While it’s still uncertain whether the Liberals will reach the 172-seat threshold for a majority, Daily Mail reports suggest a coalition with the New Democratic Party is likely if needed.
In his speech, Carney announced a new direction for Canada’s economic policy: “Our integration with the United States is over. The American betrayal shocked us, but now we must take care of each other.” He pledged to deepen trade partnerships with Europe and Asia, saying, “If the U.S. doesn’t want to lead the world economy, then we will.”
Trump had actively inserted himself into Canada’s election cycle, declaring on social media that he was “on the ballot” and doubling down on claims that Canada benefits unfairly from the U.S. economy. During an Oval Office signing ceremony held earlier on election day, Trump said, “Canada would cease to exist as a country” without American trade, and added, “As a state, it works great.”
These comments reportedly enraged many Canadians and sparked a nationalist surge that helped reframe the election around national sovereignty — ultimately benefiting the Liberals.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who had hoped the election would be a reckoning for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decade-long rule, conceded defeat late Monday. He vowed to lead a strong opposition and hold Carney’s government accountable. Despite the loss, the Conservatives appear to have gained around 26 additional seats.
Prime Minister Carney now faces immediate challenges, including navigating a high-stakes trade conflict with Canada’s largest economic partner. With over 75% of Canadian exports headed to the U.S., Trump’s threat to raise tariffs and shift auto manufacturing south poses a serious risk to the Canadian economy.
To cushion the blow, Carney has proposed redirecting revenue from counter-tariffs to support affected Canadian workers. His broader platform includes continued dental care funding, middle-class tax relief, reduced immigration levels, and increased investment in the national broadcaster.