Trump’s Canada trade war escalated dramatically Thursday as President Donald Trump canceled trade negotiations with Canadian officials over Ontario’s controversial Reagan tariff ad. The Trump Canada trade war, which has strained US-Canada relations for months, took a sharp turn when Trump called the Ontario TV ad “dishonest” and refused to continue discussions until it’s withdrawn.
Trump Tariffs Spark Canada Rift After Reagan Ad Controversy
Reagan Tariff Ad Sparks Immediate Response
The Reagan tariff ad released by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office features a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan discussing free trade. Ontario officials used the footage to argue against Trump tariffs on Canadian goods, but the White House immediately disputed the ad’s accuracy.
Trump’s response was swift and decisive. Trump escalated the Canada trade war when he canceled scheduled talks just hours before their start. He had planned the meetings to address tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other Canadian exports that have strained US-Canada relations.
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Trade Talks Suspended Over Ontario TV Ad
Ford had posted on social media about the campaign, stating:
“Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. The way to prosperity is by working together.”
The Ontario TV ad controversy has left businesses uncertain about future trade arrangements. Industries dependent on cross-border commerce are now facing extended periods of regulatory uncertainty as the Trump Canada trade war shows no signs of resolution.
Canadian officials maintain that the Reagan tariff ad accurately represents Reagan’s position on free trade, while Trump has demanded its removal before any further negotiations on Trump tariffs can proceed.
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