In her letter, posted to X on Monday morning, Freeland admitted she and Trudeau have been “at odds” about Canada’s future, particularly as it relates to the nation’s response to a possible 25 per cent tariff imposed by Donald Trump and the incoming U.S. administration. “A policy of aggressive economic nationalism,” Freeland wrote.

The news shocked cabinet and caucus colleagues, senior Finance Department officials and the Prime Minister’s Office, and caused chaos among the Liberal ranks.