In a dramatic political reversal, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party won Canada’s federal election on April 28, 2025—an outcome largely shaped by an unlikely catalyst: Donald Trump.

Just months ago, the Liberals were bracing for a crushing defeat. But the tide turned when the U.S. president launched a series of inflammatory attacks on Canada—threatening its sovereignty, imposing aggressive tariffs, and suggesting it should become America’s 51st state. The result was a surge of nationalist sentiment across Canada that reversed the Liberals’ fortunes and handed them a fourth consecutive term in power.

Though it remains unclear whether the Liberals secured an outright majority in Parliament (172 seats), their lead over Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives was decisive.

“We were dead and buried in December. Now we are going to form a government,” said former Justice Minister David Lametti, crediting Carney’s leadership for the stunning turnaround.

Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, took over the Liberal leadership after Justin Trudeau resigned earlier this year. While Poilievre attempted to frame the election as a referendum on Trudeau’s legacy—rising costs, housing crises, and public fatigue—it was Trump who ultimately shaped the race.

On election day, Trump escalated his attacks, falsely claiming the U.S. subsidizes Canada and again insisting it should join the Union. His provocations spurred a record 7.3 million early ballots cast, with many voters citing Trump’s rhetoric as their motivation.

“He sounds like mini-Trump to me,” said Toronto voter Reid Warren, explaining his decision to back the Liberals. “Trump’s tariffs and threats were the last straw.”

Political historian Robert Bothwell summed it up bluntly: “Trump talking is not good for the Conservatives.”

Poilievre conceded defeat, with his own seat in Parliament still uncertain. “We didn’t get over the finish line,” he told supporters. “But we’ll keep fighting for Canadians.”

Despite the win, Carney’s Liberals now face the complex challenge of governing in what could be a minority Parliament. The separatist Bloc Québécois performed strongly in Quebec, while the New Democrats suffered heavy losses—prompting party leader Jagmeet Singh to announce his resignation.

“This is a dramatic comeback,” said McGill professor Daniel Béland. “But if the Liberals can’t form a majority, they’ll face political instability and tough negotiations to pass key legislation.”

For now, though, Canada’s voters have spoken loud and clear: foreign interference, even in the form of tweets, won’t go unanswered at the ballot box.