Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's talk of possibly annexing Canada was a tactic designed to distract people from the impact of his proposed tariffs.

Elon Musk has told Justin Trudeau he “doesn’t matter” after the outgoing Canadian prime minister dismissed Donald Trump’s plan for the U.S. to take over its northern neighbor. The key adviser to the president-elect jabbed Trudeau on his X social media platform (formerly Twitter) after Canada’s premier announced Monday he is to resign.

The "Trump factor" was a key element driving Trudeau's resignation, Chantal Da Silva said at NBC News. Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump has threatened to slap large tariffs on America's northern neighbor — and has frequently mused about making Canada America's "51st state.

The Canadian Prime Minister announced his resignation Monday, pending an internal party election to replace him

Announcing his resignation on Monday, Trudeau said he planned to stay on as prime minister until a new party leader is selected. Who will succeed him — and can they survive a looming no-confidence vote?