US President-elect Donald Trump has once again taken aim at the Canadian government following the resignation of Canadian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Freeland’s behaviour as “toxic” and blamed it for hindering good decision-making that could have benefited the Canadian citizens.
Trump’s comments came just hours after Freeland announced her resignation on Monday, on the same day she was scheduled to present Canada’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The timing of her resignation, which followed the release of statements about Canada’s economic outlook, added weight to the speculation about the instability within the Canadian political establishment.
In his social media post, Trump wrote, “The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behaviour was 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!!!”
The remarks were a direct jab at Freeland’s tenure and the leadership of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump’s decision to refer to Trudeau as the “Governor” of Canada reflects his ongoing scepticism of the current Canadian leadership. The use of “toxic” to describe Freeland’s approach seems to underscore the growing rift between the two countries, especially in light of the approaching changes in the US administration.
Freeland’s resignation letter offered a deep insight into her perspective on the political landscape in Canada. She expressed concern over what she described as a “grave challenge” posed by the incoming Trump administration. The letter pointed to the threat of 25 per cent tariffs, a policy that could significantly impact Canada’s economy, and emphasised the need for fiscal caution in the face of this impending trade war.
Freeland’s resignation letter read: “Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs. We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war.”
The statement clearly illustrated Freeland’s view that Canada needed to be prepared for an economic battle with the US. She advocated for avoiding “costly political gimmicks” that could undermine Canada’s ability to respond effectively to the threat. Her resignation letter also emphasised the importance of unity within Canada’s federal system, calling for cooperation with provincial premiers and territories to form a united response to the challenges ahead.
Freeland also stressed the importance of taking a firm stand against the “America First” economic nationalism she anticipated under Trump’s administration. She wrote, “That means pushing back against ‘America First’ economic nationalism with a determined effort to fight for capital and investment and the jobs they bring.”
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Despite the pressure of resigning, Freeland made it clear that she believed Canada could succeed in this difficult period if the country remained “strong, smart, and united.” She concluded her resignation letter with a call for unity: “Canada will win if we are strong, smart, and united.”
The resignation of Freeland marks a pivotal moment for the Canadian government, raising questions about the future of Trudeau’s leadership and the country’s economic policies in light of increasing tensions with the US. With Freeland’s departure, it is uncertain who will take the reins of Canada’s economic policy and how the country will navigate its relationship with an increasingly nationalist US government under President-elect Trump.
For Trump, the resignation of Freeland presents an opportunity to continue criticising Canada’s leadership while solidifying his stance on economic nationalism. His words, though inflammatory, also highlight the ongoing trade tensions between the US and Canada, which could have far-reaching implications for both countries in the years to come.
As Canada moves forward without one of its most prominent figures, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to both internal challenges and external pressures, particularly those posed by the incoming US administration.
