Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday called himself a "proud feminist" while reflecting on Vice President Harris' defeat to President-elect Trump in the 2024 election. He described it as a setback for women’s progress.
Speaking at a gala in Ottawa for Equal Voice, an organization advocating for gender equality in Canadian politics, Trudeau shared his disappointment.
"We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult, march towards progress," Trudeau said. "And yet, just a few weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president."
"Everywhere, women’s rights and women’s progress is under attack, overtly and subtly," he continued. "I want you to know that I am, and always will be, a proud feminist. You will always have an ally in me and in my government."
Trudeau's comments came as U.S.-Canada relations strained over immigration issues and drug trafficking concerns. Tensions escalated after President Trump threatened harsh economic measures.
On November 29, Trudeau made an unannounced visit to Mar-a-Lago. The meeting followed Trump’s warning of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods if they failed to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the U.S.
Despite the pressure, both leaders described the discussions as "very productive." However, behind closed doors, tensions reportedly remained high.
Sources told Fox News that Trudeau warned Trump the tariffs would devastate Canada’s economy. Trump allegedly responded, "So your country can't survive unless it's ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion?"
At one point, Trump jokingly suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state. Nervous laughter reportedly followed, as Trudeau and his team struggled to react.