Ottawa, January 7 (RHC)-- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned and suspended the parliament until March.  Trudeau said on Monday he was stepping down to allow his party to choose a new leader as he suspended parliament until March due to political deadlock.

He said he would remain in office until his Liberal Party can choose a new leader, and that parliament would be prorogued - or suspended - until March 24.  "This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said during a press conference Monday.

Trudeau's unpopularity among Canadians has become an increasing drag on his party's fortunes ahead of federal elections later this year.  His popularity began to decline two years ago amid public anger over high prices and a housing crisis. Trudeau, 53, took office in November 2015 and won reelection twice, becoming one of Canada's longest-serving prime ministers.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs that would cripple Canada's economy, responded to Trudeau's resignation with a post on his Truth Social platform.

"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned," Trump said in the post.

Trump suggested that Canada merge with the United States.