U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that all trade negotiations with Canada have been terminated after a controversial advertisement featured former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The ad, funded by the Ontario government, reportedly angered Trump, who called it “fraudulent” and accused Canada of “egregious behavior.”
The dispute stems from Trump’s earlier decision to impose tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, prompting retaliatory measures from Ottawa. Despite ongoing talks aimed at resolving the trade conflict, Trump declared on Truth Social, “ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed that the anti-tariff ad had reached Trump’s attention, suggesting it may have influenced the president’s decision. The advertisement featured edited clips of Reagan’s 1987 radio address in which he warned that tariffs could lead to job losses and trade wars.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation condemned the ad, saying it used “selective audio and video” without authorization. The foundation stated it was reviewing potential legal action, emphasizing that the government of Ontario did not seek permission to modify Reagan’s remarks.
The Canadian federal government has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated that Canada would not permit unfair U.S. access to its markets should trade talks collapse.
Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have already raised U.S. import duties to their highest levels since the 1930s, alarming economists and global trade partners. With the U.S., Canada, and Mexico set to review their 2020 continental trade pact next year, this latest dispute adds further strain to North American trade relations.