In a major diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has abruptly ended all ongoing trade negotiations with Canada after a controversial TV ad misrepresenting US tariffs came to light.
According to reports, Trump announced Thursday night that the ad, produced in Ontario, misused former President Ronald Reagan’s speeches and distorted facts about American tariffs. Sharing his statement on Truth Social, Trump said the ad cost $75,000 and aimed to influence court decisions, including the US Supreme Court.
He emphasized that tariffs are vital for US national security and the economy, adding that Canada’s actions left him no choice but to terminate trade talks immediately
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office has yet to respond. Carney is scheduled to attend an Asian leaders’ summit Friday, while Trump will travel for a separate meeting the same day.
Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation confirmed that Ontario’s ad distorted Reagan’s 1987 speech without permission. The foundation is reportedly considering legal action.
Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford promoted the ad, stating, “We will use every possible tool against US tariffs.”
It’s worth noting that during his presidency, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, prompting retaliatory tariffs from Ottawa. The US receives over three-quarters of Canada’s exports, with daily trade between the countries totaling approximately CAD 3.6 billion.
