After news broke of Premier Danielle Smith’s planned attendance at a PragerU fundraiser in Florida, her office was inundated with 159 angry emails from Albertans and others, all opposing her appearance. Critics expressed concerns over her use of taxpayer money for the trip, especially amidst Alberta’s projected $5.2-billion deficit, and accused her of being “tone-deaf” and prioritizing personal interests over constituents. Many felt betrayed by her choice to engage with a controversial U.S. media organization during a tense time in Canada-U.S. relations.