Wednesday, February 4, 2026
ADVT 
National

Trump calls Freeland 'a whack' and Poilievre 'not a MAGA guy' as tariff threat looms

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 28 Feb, 2025 10:47 AM
  • Trump calls Freeland 'a whack' and Poilievre 'not a MAGA guy' as tariff threat looms

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing in on domestic Canadian politics as his deadline to impose steep tariffs on Canada inches closer.

In an interview with The Spectator, Trump called Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland terrible and "a whack" — and claimed credit for her resignation as finance minister.

Trump also remarked on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, saying that "his biggest problem is he's not a MAGA guy."

An edited transcript of the Thursday interview with Trump did not provide any new insights into what Canada might do to stop the devastating duties from going forward next week.

Trump's executive order to implement 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports, with a lower 10 per cent levy on energy, was delayed until March 4 after both countries agreed to introduce new security measures at the border.

Trump said Thursday he hadn't seen any progress from Canada and Mexico.

MORE National ARTICLES

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals
The Conservative Party had a banner fundraising year in 2024, when it nearly doubled the combined total collected by the Liberals and NDP by raising almost $41.8 million. The Conservatives brought in nearly $12.8 million in the final quarter of 2024, according to filings with Elections Canada.

Conservative fundraising for 2024 nearly doubles Liberal, NDP totals

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances
Provinces where international permit allocations were increased last year are also experiencing a decline in international enrolment, creating gaps in budgets that may lead to program cuts.

International study permit data an 'earthquake' for Canadian university finances

Carney vows to kill consumer carbon pricing, shift to green incentives

Carney vows to kill consumer carbon pricing, shift to green incentives
Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney is backing away from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's consumer carbon pricing regime but will keep industrial pricing in place. Carney said the country has become divided over the policy because Canadians have been fed "misinformation" by Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Carney vows to kill consumer carbon pricing, shift to green incentives

Trudeau says Canada 'ready' for Trump tariffs as ministers make final push in D.C.

Trudeau says Canada 'ready' for Trump tariffs as ministers make final push in D.C.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is ready to deliver a "purposeful, forceful but reasonable immediate" response if U.S. President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian imports. During an event in Toronto today, Trudeau said that it's "not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act."

Trudeau says Canada 'ready' for Trump tariffs as ministers make final push in D.C.

Darpan 10 with Dr. Sanjay Jeram, Senior Lecturer & Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Political Science at SFU

Darpan 10 with Dr. Sanjay Jeram, Senior Lecturer & Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Political Science at SFU
Darpan 10 with Dr. Sanjay Jeram, Senior Lecturer & Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Political Science at Simon Fraser University on Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation and what it means for Canada as well as Canada/US relations. 

Darpan 10 with Dr. Sanjay Jeram, Senior Lecturer & Chair of Undergraduate Studies in Political Science at SFU

Deadly U.S. mid-air collision no reason to panic about wider safety concerns: expert

Deadly U.S. mid-air collision no reason to panic about wider safety concerns: expert
The deadly mid-air crash in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night is likely the result of unique air traffic patterns in the area and shouldn't cause wider fears over air safety, says an aviation expert. John Gradek, who teaches aviation management at McGill University, said the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has seen rising activity over the years while military aircraft also frequently fly in the area, making it a higher-risk airspace.

Deadly U.S. mid-air collision no reason to panic about wider safety concerns: expert