U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the termination of all trade discussions with Canada due to an advertisement by the Ontario government featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s words conveying an anti-tariff message to American viewers. Trump criticized the ad as fraudulent and accused Canada of producing it.
In a post on his Truth Social platform late at night, Trump condemned the ad, emphasizing the importance of tariffs for national security and the economy of the United States. Following the airing of the ad during the World Series game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, Trump reiterated his disapproval, labeling the ad as “crooked.”
Despite the ad controversy, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the ad would be paused starting Monday, allowing ongoing trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. to resume. The ad, which uses a segment from Reagan’s radio address, warns against the negative consequences of high tariffs and trade wars.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute raised concerns about the ad’s misrepresentation of Reagan’s remarks and stated that Ontario did not have permission to use the content. However, a spokesperson for Ford defended the ad, emphasizing Reagan’s stance on tariffs and free trade.
Trade talks between the two countries, which had shown progress, were abruptly halted by Trump, citing interference with a Supreme Court decision as the reason for terminating the negotiations. This move follows previous tensions in the trade relationship, including Ontario’s surcharge on electricity exports and subsequent tariff threats by Trump.
The Ontario government’s ad campaign, costing $75 million, aims to reach American audiences across various networks, sparking discussions on tariffs and trade policies. Despite the setback in trade negotiations, both parties remain open to future discussions once the situation is resolved.