U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has terminated trade negotiations with Canada, citing an anti-tariff advertisement released by Ontario’s government that he claims “fraudulently” misused Ronald Reagan’s words.
The controversial ad, launched last week, included a clip of Reagan’s 1987 speech criticizing tariffs on foreign goods.
The Ronald Reagan Foundation swiftly condemned the ad, accusing Ontario’s government of misrepresenting Reagan’s message and using the material without permission.
Reagan’s original remarks, delivered at Camp David ahead of a meeting with Japan’s prime minister, expressed deep reluctance about imposing tariffs.
The U.S. leader warned that such measures “hurt every American worker and consumer” and worsened the Great Depression.
Despite this context, Trump lashed out on his Truth Social platform Thursday night, calling the ad “FAKE” and “fraudulent.”
“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” Trump declared.
He accused Canada of attempting to influence U.S. courts, claiming the ad was meant to “interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.”
In a follow-up post, Trump insisted that Reagan actually “loved tariffs for our country and its national security,” a claim inconsistent with Reagan’s recorded opposition.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who shared the ad on October 16, defended it as part of the province’s effort to fight U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
“Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada,” Ford wrote.
The advertisement included a disclaimer noting it was not endorsed or approved by the Reagan Presidential Library or Foundation.
The Canadian federal government has yet to respond.
CNN confirmed that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc have been contacted for comment.
Trade tensions at boiling point
Relations between Washington and Ottawa have deteriorated sharply during Trump’s second term. Canada remains the United States’ second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totaling $411.9 billion last year.
However, Canada’s economy has suffered under Trump’s tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum, lumber, and energy key sectors for its economy.
Experts warn that Trump’s latest move could destabilize the North American supply chain, particularly as the USMCA trade pact faces review next year.
“This is the last thing that either country needs,” said Jack Buffington, director of the supply chain program at the University of Denver.
Meanwhile, Carney has been pursuing trade diversification.
Hours before Trump’s announcement, he posted on X that Canada plans to double its non-U.S. exports within a decade, emphasizing a “stronger, more independent economy.”
Despite a recent thaw marked by Carney’s Oval Office meeting with Trump earlier this month Thursday’s announcement signals a renewed chill in U.S.-Canada relations.
