Donald Trump mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his top minister’s surprise resignation — after the pair clashed on how to handle the president-elect’s looming tariffs.
Trump jumped on Trudeau’s waning popularity and troubles after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland quit Monday night, with the president-elect labeling his Canadian counterpart “Governor,” referencing a previous joke about the US annexing its northern neighbor.
“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” Trump posted on Truth Social Monday night.
“Her behavior 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!!!”
Freeland’s resignation serves as a great blow to Trudeau, with the finance minister suggesting an irreparable rift has formed between her and the prime minister over the future of Canada’s economy.
“For the last number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds over the best path forward for Canada,” Freeland wrote to Trudeau on X.
Freeland specifically referenced the need for Canada to be ready should Trump employ the 25% tariffs he’s promised to implement on the campaign trail.
“That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford,” she wrote.
Freeland’s departure is likely to add even more pressure to Trudeau, who is facing backlash from his party’s liberal wing alarmed by poor polling numbers.
The economy and high prices are threatening to undo Trudeau’s administration, the same issues that are bringing Trump back to the White House in the US.
Monday’s jab was only the latest Trump has taken at Trudeau in recent weeks as he prepares to return to Washington.
Last week, the president-elect reportedly mocked Canada by calling it the 51st state, giving Trudeau the nickname of “Governor.”
Trump allegedly made the remarks in a meeting with Trudeau in Palm Beach, Florida, where the premier pleaded with Trump not to implement the tariffs because it would “kill,” Canada’s economy, according to Fox News.
“So your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the US to the tune of $100 billion?” Trump reportedly replied, referencing the US trade deficit with Canada.
