As Justin Trudeau exited the House of Commons for the last time as Prime Minister, the exact moment was captured by a photographer, gripping the people’s attention.
The image credited to be taken for Reuters, saw Trudeau with tongue sticking out, carrying a chair while looking at the camera with a smile. The photo quickly went viral with many finding it hilarious while some raised questions as Canada faces political turmoil and threats from US President Donald Trump.
The tradition of departing MPs taking their parliamentary chair home has been long established, yet the moment—his tongue playfully sticking out as he walked out of Parliament—became an internet sensation. Some saw it as a defiant gesture, others as a lighthearted farewell.
“He’s probably relieved to be done with this job,” said one user in reply to the photographer’s post. Some offered support to Trudeau. A social media user said, “Justin Trudeau looks really happy , I’m going to miss him but he deserves time with his family now ,” while another commented, “I am Very Happy he still has a sense of humor I Love it !”
Not everyone was happy with the gesture with some taking jabs at Trudeau. “How much did this cost me,” replied a person identified as Eval on X. Many others also raised questions and concerns over the image.
Trudeau had announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader on January 6, bowing out after mounting internal tensions and the departure of key allies like Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. His exit paved the way for a leadership race that concluded on March 10th, with Mark Carney securing a decisive first-ballot victory to become both party leader and Canada’s new Prime Minister.
Trudeau met with his successor, Mark Carney, on Monday to discuss the transition of power, US-Canada relations, and national security.
A former central bank chief with no prior political experience, Carney is expected to call a parliamentary election amid tensions with US President Donald Trump over tariffs and annexation threats. Canadian nationalism has surged in response, boosting Liberal support. Carney vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs until the US “shows respect.”
