After nearly a decade in power, Justin Trudeau steps down on Friday as prime minister amid a trade war and President Trump’s stated desire to annex Canada.

Justin Trudeau has officially stepped down as the Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau resigned on Friday after nearly a decade in power. He had announced his resignation in January, as polls indicated that his Liberal Party was likely to face defeat in the upcoming election.

The new prime minister is facing an escalating trade war with the US as well as calls for Canada to become the 51st state.

The episode has not only given Trudeau a bump in support, but it’s delivered a potential lifeline to his flailing Liberal Party ahead of the expected election. It’s also a boon for his successor, Mark Carney, who was elected Liberal leader on Sunday and will soon take the prime minister’s office, at least briefly.

Mark Carney is a newcomer to elected politics, with decades of experience in finance. After his landslide victory, he pledged to continue tariffs on the U.S. "until the Americans show us respect."