Justin Trudeau on Elon Musk
The public relationship between Justin Trudeau and Elon Musk has been mainly defined by exchanges on X (formerly Twitter), particularly concerning Canadian sovereignty and media funding. Trudeau, in his capacity as Prime Minister and later as an outgoing leader, has made statements regarding Canada's independence that Musk has publicly responded to with pointed remarks.
One significant area of friction involved Musk labeling the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as '69% government funded' after being prompted by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Trudeau responded by accusing Poilievre of using American billionaires like Musk to attack a foundational Canadian institution, implying Musk was being enlisted in domestic political maneuvering.
Following Trudeau's January 2025 announcement of his resignation, Musk directly addressed him on X, writing, “Girl, you're not the governor of Canada anymore,” after Trudeau had strongly asserted Canada would never join the United States. This comment by Musk referenced Trudeau's recent departure from his leadership role, marking a direct, personal engagement between the two public figures.
Context
Justin Trudeau's role as Prime Minister of Canada meant that his public statements on international figures like Elon Musk—or matters involving his companies like X—carried significant weight regarding trade, international relations, and digital policy.
Trudeau’s government had previously engaged in legislative debates concerning the regulation of large technology companies, providing a backdrop for tensions when Musk inserted himself into Canadian domestic political disputes, such as the CBC funding controversy.
Timeline
- Justin Trudeau accused his Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre of enlisting Elon Musk to label the CBC as 'government-funded Media' on X.
- Trudeau further criticized the political approach of those who rely on 'American billionaires' like Musk to attack Canadian institutions.
- Following Trudeau's announcement of his resignation as Prime Minister, Musk replied to Trudeau's assertion that Canada would not join the US, stating, “Girl, you're not the governor of Canada anymore.”
Key Quotes
Attacking this Canadian institution, attacking the culture and local content that is so important to so many Canadians, really indicates the values and the approach that Mr. Poilievre is putting forward. And I think it is telling that in order to attack this institution... he runs to American billionaires... for support to attack Canadians says a lot about Mr. Poilievre and his values.
There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States. Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner.
Girl, you're not the governor of Canada anymore, so doesn't matter what you say.
Sources5
Elon Musk to Canada's outgoing PM Justin Trudeau: Girl, you're not the ....
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.