An advertising campaign launched by Ontario premier Doug Ford has triggered an extreme response from president Donald Trump, who has now “terminated” all US trade talks with Canada.
Ford, whose province is suffering under 35% US tariffs, launched the ad earlier in october. “Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs,” Ford said at the time.
The ad featured a 1987 clip of Ronald Reagan warning against tariffs. Trump reacted furiously, calling the ad “fake” and “fraudulent” on truth social.
Trump accused Canada of “egregious behavior” and interference. On friday, premier ford responded mildly on x, writing, “Canada and the united states are friends, neighbours and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.”
The ad has also been condemned by the Reagan Foundation for misrepresenting the 1987 speech, a point Trump cited in his termination announcement. Secretary of state Marco Rubio has confirmed talks are suspended.
