President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is terminating “all trade negotiations” with Canada in response to a television advertisement sponsored by the Ontario government. The ad, which features remarks from former President Ronald Reagan, criticizes U.S. tariffs and has escalated tensions between the two countries.
The announcement came shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated intentions to double exports to nations outside the U.S. due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs. The White House characterized Trump’s reaction as a culmination of frustrations with Canada’s trade strategies, which they believe undermine negotiations.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump claimed the advertisement misrepresents Reagan’s views, asserting that the former president supported tariffs for national security reasons. He expressed his outrage, stating, “CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!” and accused Canada of attempting to influence the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of a significant ruling regarding the legality of his tariffs.
Ontario Premier Responds to Trump’s Allegations
The ad in question was funded by the government of Ontario and not by the federal government of Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the advertisement, emphasizing the historical alliance between Canada and the U.S. He provided a link to a Reagan speech that opposes tariffs, reinforcing his stance. The Ontario government has allocated $54 million (approximately $75 million Canadian) for the ad campaign, which is set to air across various American television networks, including during the Game 1 of the World Series.
Carney reiterated Canada’s willingness to engage in trade discussions to alleviate tariff-related issues, acknowledging the shift in U.S. trade policy since Reagan’s era. He remarked, “We can’t control the trade policy of the United States,” emphasizing the need for adaptability.
Reagan Foundation Weighs In
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute has publicly denounced the advertisement, stating it misrepresents Reagan’s position on tariffs. The Foundation, based in Simi Valley, California, indicated that Ontario did not have permission to use or edit Reagan’s remarks and is considering legal options. The Foundation’s board includes notable figures such as former House Speaker Paul Ryan and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, both of whom have longstanding ties to the Republican Party.
In his social media commentary, Trump reiterated the Foundation’s stance, declaring the ad “FAKE” and asserting the importance of tariffs for national security and economic stability.
Background and Future Implications
This escalation comes after a history of strained relations between the U.S. and Canada, particularly under the previous administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. White House officials have indicated that tensions have been mounting for some time, with Trump’s administration expressing dissatisfaction with Canada’s flexibility in trade negotiations.
Earlier this month, Carney met with Trump in an attempt to ease these trade tensions as discussions about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) loom. With over three-quarters of Canadian exports directed to the U.S., the stakes are high. Daily trade between the two nations amounts to approximately $2.7 billion.
Despite previous claims that he was unfazed by the advertisement, Trump’s response has effectively halted negotiations. The Ontario government intends to air the ad in 198 of the nation’s media markets, with significant placements in New York and Washington, D.C. The potential fallout from this decision could have lasting effects on trade relations and economic stability between the two countries as both navigate a complex and evolving landscape.
