President Donald Trump has announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada, citing a television advertisement sponsored by Ontario’s provincial government that used former President Ronald Reagan’s words to criticize U.S. tariffs. The ad, which aired during the World Series, sparked Trump’s ire, though Ontario Premier Doug Ford later said the campaign would be paused starting Monday.
Trump accused the ad of misrepresenting Reagan’s stance on tariffs and suggested it was aimed at influencing the U.S. Supreme Court ahead of a hearing on his authority to impose tariffs. “It’s a crooked ad… Well, I can play dirtier than they can,” Trump said, emphasizing the significance of tariffs for U.S. national security and economic policy.
The advertisement, which cost approximately $54 million CAD, had been purchased to air in nearly 200 U.S. media markets. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation condemned the ad, stating that Ontario did not obtain permission to use or edit Reagan’s remarks, calling the ad “fake” and misrepresentative.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada “can’t control U.S. trade policy” and remains committed to negotiating in sectors where progress is possible. Meanwhile, Ford defended the ad, stating its goal was to start a conversation on the economic impact of tariffs and claimed it had reached U.S. audiences at the highest levels.
The White House described the controversy as the latest example of Canada playing games in trade talks. Administration officials also cited lingering tensions from the Trudeau era and Canada’s perceived lack of flexibility in negotiations.
Canada-U.S. trade is significant, with over three-quarters of Canadian exports going to the U.S. and $2.7 billion USD in goods and services crossing daily. The tariffs have particularly affected Ontario’s auto sector, prompting Stellantis to shift production from Ontario to Illinois.
Trump is currently traveling to a Southeast Asia summit, where he has no plans to meet Carney. Analysts say the trade spat highlights both the high stakes of U.S.-Canada trade relations and Trump’s personalized approach to economic disputes.
