In a federal election shaped as much by cross-border conflict as domestic policy, Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney didn’t mince words.

As the Liberal Party celebrated a dramatic comeback victory on Monday night, Carney delivered a fiery speech that directly targeted former U.S. President Donald Trump, warning Canadians that their southern neighbor was trying to “own” them.

“America Wants Our Land, Our Water—Our Country”

Standing before a crowd in Ottawa just after midnight, Carney addressed a country still shaken by months of economic threats and political taunts from Trump.

“As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our water, our resources—our country,” Carney declared, pausing before firmly stating, “Never.”

The newly elected leader described Trump’s rhetoric not as bluster, but as a genuine attempt to destabilize Canadian sovereignty.

“President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us,” he warned.

Still, Carney insisted he was ready to meet with Trump and confront the situation head-on.

“We’ll win this trade war,” he promised, adding that when they sit down, it will be as leaders of two sovereign nations—with Canada fully aware that it has other global partners to turn to.

The End of an Era: Breaking from the U.S.

In his speech, Carney announced what many interpreted as a major geopolitical pivot.

“Our old relationship of integration with the U.S. is now over,” he said bluntly. “We are over the shock of the American betrayal.”

Carney said Canada would now look to build deeper ties with reliable partners in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

“If the U.S. doesn’t want to play a pivotal role in the world economy, we will lead—not the Americans,” he declared.

Trump’s 51st State Taunts Fire Up Canadian Voters

Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t officially commented on the election, but he certainly stirred the pot during Canada’s campaign season.

On social media and even during official White House events, he mocked Canada—repeating the idea that it should become the “51st state,” and even joked that Canada wouldn’t exist without U.S. support.

“It makes no sense unless Canada is a state,” Trump posted online, falsely claiming that America subsidizes Canadian industries.

Earlier that day, during a signing ceremony, he even suggested that without American consumers, Canada would “cease to exist.”

A Nationalist Surge That Turned the Tide

While the Liberals had been trailing for much of the campaign, Trump’s provocations changed the tone.

His rhetoric galvanized Canadian nationalism and lit a fire under undecided voters.

What had looked like a likely Conservative win was flipped on its head.

Canadians—furious about Trump’s attacks—began canceling trips to the U.S., boycotting American goods, and showing up at the polls in force.

Where the Numbers Stand

By 2 a.m. Tuesday morning, the Liberals were leading or had won 167 of 343 districts—up from their previous 150. The Conservatives were ahead in 145.

While it’s still too soon to confirm if the Liberals will hold a majority, they’re expected to partner with the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) if needed.

Other parties saw mixed results. The Bloc Quebecois was down to 23 seats from 33, the NDP slipped to 7 from 24, and the Green Party held steady at 1.

Poilievre Concedes, But Vows to Keep Fighting

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre conceded the race, acknowledging that the Liberals had edged them out.

While still awaiting confirmation of his own seat, he told supporters, “We didn’t get over the finish line yet.

But change takes time.”

Poilievre, who had attempted to make the election a referendum on outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ran a campaign modeled on Trump-style messaging—cutting taxes, warning about immigration, and dipping into culture war topics.

But Trump’s interference seems to have turned voters against that strategy.

Trump Takes Credit—Again

In a conversation with The Atlantic published on election day, Trump took credit for the Liberals’ rebound.

“Remember that the Conservative was leading by 25 points?” he asked.

“Then I was disliked by enough Canadians that I’ve thrown the election into a close call.”

Though it’s not yet clear whether the Liberals will govern with a full majority, Carney’s win marks a fourth consecutive term for the party—a feat last accomplished in 2004.

What Carney Plans to Do Next

Even with the win, Carney faces massive challenges ahead. Trade tensions with the U.S. remain volatile.

More than 75% of Canada’s exports still go to the States, making Trump’s threats to impose tariffs—or move auto manufacturing south—especially damaging.

Carney has pledged to counter those impacts with economic support at home.

He vowed that every dollar raised from retaliatory tariffs on American goods will go toward helping Canadian workers.

He’s also promised to:

Maintain the national dental care program
Deliver middle-class tax cuts
Restore sustainable immigration levels
Boost funding for public broadcasting

A Country Redefining Its Future

Foreign policy hasn’t played such a dominant role in a Canadian election since 1988, when free trade with the U.S. was the defining issue.

Now, it’s trade war—not trade deals—at the center of the conversation.

Mark Carney may have won a mandate, but the hard part begins now: navigating an economic minefield, defending national sovereignty, and reshaping Canada’s global identity—with or without America’s support.