In a recent social media post about her resignation, US President-elect Donald Trump made his disdain for Canada’s former finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, quite clear.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Trump commented on Freeland’s sudden departure, calling Canada “the Great State of Canada.” He also made a now-regular dig at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by referring to him as “Governor Trudeau.”
Trump described Freeland’s behaviour as “totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals, which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada.”
“She will not be missed!!!” he emphasized.
Just hours before the federal government was expected to share its fall economic statement on Monday, Freeland announced her resignation. She shared her resignation letter on X and explained her decision.
Freeland revealed that she and Trudeau have been at odds about how to govern the country for weeks. She also warned that Canada faces a “grave challenge” with Trump’s incoming administration and threat of 25% tariffs.
“We need to take that threat extremely seriously,” she wrote. “That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.”
See my letter to the Prime Minister below // Veuillez trouver ma lettre au Premier ministre ci-dessous pic.twitter.com/NMMMcXUh7A
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) December 16, 2024
She urged Canadians to recognize “the gravity of the moment” and resist “America First” economic nationalism by fighting for capital, investment, and the jobs they create.
The beef between Trump and Freeland drew mixed reactions, with one netizen stating that Freeland must have been “doing something right” to be mocked by Trump.
FOR ALL HER FAULTS, and I found many in her, Chrystia Freeland receives the highest political compliment of the age: the mockery of Donald Trump is proof she was doing something right. https://t.co/1nEjVzMNWB
— Mark Towhey (@towhey) December 17, 2024
Oh my!
Think what you want about her, but Minister Freeland was a strong voice for Canada in the face of the first Trump Administration, and for the righteous defence of Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. She fought the good fight and deserves credit and respect for both. https://t.co/WjfcSt8PXP
— “Sundude” (@sundudeCAN) December 16, 2024
Trump’s attempts to smear Freeland is his typical sexist, misogynistic response to a strong woman, who was a formidable negotiator on the USMCA trade deal!
And he can shove his disrespecting Canada’s sovereignty/annexation threats where the sun don’t shine!
— Jessica on Xitter ⚛️ (@JessicaVT78) December 17, 2024
For the record, Chrystia Freeland is one of this hemisphere’s finest public servants and one of the world’s top statesmen. Donald Trump has never been a good judge of talent or character. https://t.co/LP2l9cvDXn
— Mike Walker (@New_Narrative) December 17, 2024
However, others appeared to share Trump’s sentiments towards Freeland.
He aint wrong
— 🦅BLKHaWk87⚔️ (@mathdes87) December 17, 2024
Looks like Freeland thinks the Canadian economy only started it’s decline a month and a half ago when Trump won the presidency. Been happening for YEARS and SHE is responsible for it going along with all the PMO bullshit.
The TRUDEAU LIBERALS are the biggest threat to Canada. pic.twitter.com/lwCDSPcb5u
— G.M. Forbes (@gmforbes35) December 16, 2024
Who cares. Trump does not respect Trudeau, Freeland, Singh & Elizabeth May. The liberals, NDP & greens need to be voted out ASAP. Call an election now.
— A A (@savedrotex) December 17, 2024
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
With files from Isabelle Docto