From subtle digs to Obama ‘bromance’: 11 notable incidents in Justin Trudeau's political career
Canada's prime minister has always considered himself a fighter, yet he has recently declared that he will not be at the helm for the Liberals' upcoming challenge.
TroibNews 
OTTAWA — For the first time in his political career, Justin Trudeau is opting out of a battle, a decision that preserves the prime minister's unblemished electoral history spanning three terms and five terms as a lawmaker.
On Monday, Trudeau announced his intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Party and will step down once a successor is selected.
“I am not someone who backs away, ... particularly when a fight is as important as this one,” Trudeau stated. “But I have always been driven by my love for Canada, by my desire to serve Canadians and by what is in the best interest of Canadians — and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election.”
Having led his party for 11 years, Trudeau transformed the Liberal Party from a third-party entity to a majority government in 2015. Polls indicate that the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is likely to gain traction when Canadians head to the polls in 2025, with a federal election anticipated this spring.
Once celebrated for defeating a Canadian senator in a charity boxing match in 2012, Trudeau has now chosen to stay out of the political fray for the first time in his career.
**1. Rope-a-dope**
When Justin Trudeau entered politics, many expressed skepticism. He had the charm, name recognition, and celebrity status from his father's legacy. But could a drama teacher turned junior lawmaker really lead the country?
In 2012, Trudeau competed as the underdog in a charity boxing match against Sen. Patrick Brazeau, a well-built former naval reservist.
With 3-1 odds stacked against him, expectations were low for Trudeau. However, his victory brought significant attention to his political ambitions.
In a Rolling Stone interview, Trudeau explained his rationale for the match, saying, “I wanted someone who would be a good foil, and we stumbled upon the scrappy, tough-guy senator from an Indigenous community. He fit the bill, and it was a very nice counterpoint… I saw it as the right kind of narrative, the right story to tell.”
The bout sent a clear message to future challengers: don’t underestimate Trudeau.
**2. Autumn gold**
A beautiful autumn day followed Trudeau’s election, as he walked hand-in-hand with his then-wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, flanked by senior officials and greeted by hundreds eager to see the incoming Cabinet at Rideau Hall.
The new Cabinet was notably diverse and young, boasting impressive backgrounds.
The scene highlighted distinctions from the previous Conservative administration, known for its secretive and standoffish media relations. Political columnist John Ivison noted that Trudeau's approach was “digital media gold,” highlighting his selfies, hugs, and displays of affection with family.
When questioned about the equal representation of women in his Cabinet, Trudeau famously replied, “Because it’s 2015,” solidifying his international image as a feminist leader.
**3. Disorder in the House**
May 2016 showcased a more candid view of Trudeau. He attracted criticism after physically grabbing a lawmaker to expedite legislative proceedings, inadvertently elbowing young progressive politician Ruth Ellen Brosseau.
This incident, known as "Elbowgate," painted Trudeau as hot-headed and impulsive, contradictory to his carefully crafted public persona. At the time, it marked the beginning of a series of gaffes that would tarnish his image.
**4. Handshake diplomacy**
Trudeau's rapport with U.S. President Barack Obama became internationally recognized, particularly during the “Three Amigos” summit in June 2016, where a mismanaged trio handshake garnered attention.
The initial awkwardness was overshadowed by positive vibes as Trudeau navigated the complexities of international relations, particularly with the upcoming Trump presidency aiming to alter NAFTA.
Amid the tension, Trudeau proved adept in their initial meeting, adapting to Trump's aggressive handshake style. According to Dan Arnold, a former pollster for Trudeau’s administration, “The handshake between Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump…were the most important 11 seconds in Trudeau’s first term as prime minister,” illustrating his determination to hold his ground.
**5. Fully completely**
In August 2016, Trudeau connected with fans during the Tragically Hip’s farewell concert, donning a “Canadian tuxedo” as thousands gathered to support the band’s frontman, Gord Downie, who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Trudeau reflected on Downie's music as “the soundtrack to my life and to so many of us in so many ways.” When Downie passed in 2017, Trudeau expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Gord was my friend, but Gord was everyone’s friend.”
During the concert, Downie publicly urged Trudeau to fulfill his commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, both pressuring him and endorsing his leadership.
**6. NAFTA renegotiations: Trudeau v. Trump**
The Trudeau administration faced a monumental challenge as Donald Trump campaigned to dismantle NAFTA, a crucial trade agreement for Canada.
In response, Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet and assembled a dedicated team to establish connections within Trump’s circle, ensuring Canada’s interests were represented during negotiations. Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson suggested that Trudeau's adept handling of the situation became a crucial highlight of his foreign policy legacy.
**7. The bizarre trip to India**
Trudeau's first official visit to India in 2018 was marred by criticism of his over-the-top traditional attire, prompting widespread mockery, including a scathing take from the Times of India.
The trip further complicated when Trudeau found himself at an event with Jaspal Atwal, a figure with a controversial past that undermined Trudeau's carefully cultivated image as a leader addressing Sikh separatism.
**8. The killer influence scandal**
Trudeau's administration faced a significant ethics scandal in 2019 surrounding allegations that his office pressured then-Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould regarding a criminal case involving SNC-Lavalin, a major engineering firm from Quebec.
Internal conflict led to Wilson-Raybould's resignation, creating a rift within the government and comparisons to Watergate. As prominent figures resigned in protest, the scandal eroded Trudeau's progressive credibility and revealed troubling centralization within his administration.
**9. Blackface stunner**
In a shocking turn during the 2019 campaign, revelations emerged of Trudeau donning blackface in various instances during his earlier years. Time magazine exposed one infamous photo from his high school days, prompting him to acknowledge his past behavior.
In his apologies, Trudeau acknowledged the unacceptability of darkening one’s face, saying, “This is something that I deeply, deeply regret.” Despite the controversy, he managed to survive the electoral challenge, securing victory despite shifting public sentiment.
**10. Pandemic Trudeau**
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed shortcomings in the federal response, leading to heavy criticism as chaos ensued at airports. However, once mobilized, Trudeau’s administration implemented one of the largest financial relief packages in Canadian history.
During the lockdown, he connected with Canadians through daily briefings while isolating at Rideau Cottage, and despite initial praise for his handling of the health crisis, the situation with vaccination mandates culminated in widespread protests and a trucker convoy occupation in Ottawa.
Trudeau's invocation of emergency powers to handle the crisis marked a critical moment as the nation emerged from the pandemic divided and economically strained.
**11. The Trudeaus split**
In the summer of 2023, Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau announced their separation after 18 years of marriage, sparking speculation about Trudeau's political future amid an already challenging landscape.
British Columbia journalist Stephen Maher noted that the breakup mirrored Trudeau’s own parents' divorce, reflecting the difficulties of maintaining family life under the pressures of political leadership. Maher suggested that Trudeau’s commitment to his role may have overshadowed personal relationships, indicating the heavy toll of leadership.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Monday, Trudeau announced his intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Party and will step down once a successor is selected.
“I am not someone who backs away, ... particularly when a fight is as important as this one,” Trudeau stated. “But I have always been driven by my love for Canada, by my desire to serve Canadians and by what is in the best interest of Canadians — and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election.”
Having led his party for 11 years, Trudeau transformed the Liberal Party from a third-party entity to a majority government in 2015. Polls indicate that the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is likely to gain traction when Canadians head to the polls in 2025, with a federal election anticipated this spring.
Once celebrated for defeating a Canadian senator in a charity boxing match in 2012, Trudeau has now chosen to stay out of the political fray for the first time in his career.
**1. Rope-a-dope**
When Justin Trudeau entered politics, many expressed skepticism. He had the charm, name recognition, and celebrity status from his father's legacy. But could a drama teacher turned junior lawmaker really lead the country?
In 2012, Trudeau competed as the underdog in a charity boxing match against Sen. Patrick Brazeau, a well-built former naval reservist.
With 3-1 odds stacked against him, expectations were low for Trudeau. However, his victory brought significant attention to his political ambitions.
In a Rolling Stone interview, Trudeau explained his rationale for the match, saying, “I wanted someone who would be a good foil, and we stumbled upon the scrappy, tough-guy senator from an Indigenous community. He fit the bill, and it was a very nice counterpoint… I saw it as the right kind of narrative, the right story to tell.”
The bout sent a clear message to future challengers: don’t underestimate Trudeau.
**2. Autumn gold**
A beautiful autumn day followed Trudeau’s election, as he walked hand-in-hand with his then-wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, flanked by senior officials and greeted by hundreds eager to see the incoming Cabinet at Rideau Hall.
The new Cabinet was notably diverse and young, boasting impressive backgrounds.
The scene highlighted distinctions from the previous Conservative administration, known for its secretive and standoffish media relations. Political columnist John Ivison noted that Trudeau's approach was “digital media gold,” highlighting his selfies, hugs, and displays of affection with family.
When questioned about the equal representation of women in his Cabinet, Trudeau famously replied, “Because it’s 2015,” solidifying his international image as a feminist leader.
**3. Disorder in the House**
May 2016 showcased a more candid view of Trudeau. He attracted criticism after physically grabbing a lawmaker to expedite legislative proceedings, inadvertently elbowing young progressive politician Ruth Ellen Brosseau.
This incident, known as "Elbowgate," painted Trudeau as hot-headed and impulsive, contradictory to his carefully crafted public persona. At the time, it marked the beginning of a series of gaffes that would tarnish his image.
**4. Handshake diplomacy**
Trudeau's rapport with U.S. President Barack Obama became internationally recognized, particularly during the “Three Amigos” summit in June 2016, where a mismanaged trio handshake garnered attention.
The initial awkwardness was overshadowed by positive vibes as Trudeau navigated the complexities of international relations, particularly with the upcoming Trump presidency aiming to alter NAFTA.
Amid the tension, Trudeau proved adept in their initial meeting, adapting to Trump's aggressive handshake style. According to Dan Arnold, a former pollster for Trudeau’s administration, “The handshake between Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump…were the most important 11 seconds in Trudeau’s first term as prime minister,” illustrating his determination to hold his ground.
**5. Fully completely**
In August 2016, Trudeau connected with fans during the Tragically Hip’s farewell concert, donning a “Canadian tuxedo” as thousands gathered to support the band’s frontman, Gord Downie, who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
Trudeau reflected on Downie's music as “the soundtrack to my life and to so many of us in so many ways.” When Downie passed in 2017, Trudeau expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Gord was my friend, but Gord was everyone’s friend.”
During the concert, Downie publicly urged Trudeau to fulfill his commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, both pressuring him and endorsing his leadership.
**6. NAFTA renegotiations: Trudeau v. Trump**
The Trudeau administration faced a monumental challenge as Donald Trump campaigned to dismantle NAFTA, a crucial trade agreement for Canada.
In response, Trudeau reshuffled his Cabinet and assembled a dedicated team to establish connections within Trump’s circle, ensuring Canada’s interests were represented during negotiations. Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson suggested that Trudeau's adept handling of the situation became a crucial highlight of his foreign policy legacy.
**7. The bizarre trip to India**
Trudeau's first official visit to India in 2018 was marred by criticism of his over-the-top traditional attire, prompting widespread mockery, including a scathing take from the Times of India.
The trip further complicated when Trudeau found himself at an event with Jaspal Atwal, a figure with a controversial past that undermined Trudeau's carefully cultivated image as a leader addressing Sikh separatism.
**8. The killer influence scandal**
Trudeau's administration faced a significant ethics scandal in 2019 surrounding allegations that his office pressured then-Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould regarding a criminal case involving SNC-Lavalin, a major engineering firm from Quebec.
Internal conflict led to Wilson-Raybould's resignation, creating a rift within the government and comparisons to Watergate. As prominent figures resigned in protest, the scandal eroded Trudeau's progressive credibility and revealed troubling centralization within his administration.
**9. Blackface stunner**
In a shocking turn during the 2019 campaign, revelations emerged of Trudeau donning blackface in various instances during his earlier years. Time magazine exposed one infamous photo from his high school days, prompting him to acknowledge his past behavior.
In his apologies, Trudeau acknowledged the unacceptability of darkening one’s face, saying, “This is something that I deeply, deeply regret.” Despite the controversy, he managed to survive the electoral challenge, securing victory despite shifting public sentiment.
**10. Pandemic Trudeau**
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed shortcomings in the federal response, leading to heavy criticism as chaos ensued at airports. However, once mobilized, Trudeau’s administration implemented one of the largest financial relief packages in Canadian history.
During the lockdown, he connected with Canadians through daily briefings while isolating at Rideau Cottage, and despite initial praise for his handling of the health crisis, the situation with vaccination mandates culminated in widespread protests and a trucker convoy occupation in Ottawa.
Trudeau's invocation of emergency powers to handle the crisis marked a critical moment as the nation emerged from the pandemic divided and economically strained.
**11. The Trudeaus split**
In the summer of 2023, Justin and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau announced their separation after 18 years of marriage, sparking speculation about Trudeau's political future amid an already challenging landscape.
British Columbia journalist Stephen Maher noted that the breakup mirrored Trudeau’s own parents' divorce, reflecting the difficulties of maintaining family life under the pressures of political leadership. Maher suggested that Trudeau’s commitment to his role may have overshadowed personal relationships, indicating the heavy toll of leadership.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
