U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said he would impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports after a controversial anti-tariff advertisement aired by Ontario during the World Series, using former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s words to criticize American trade policy.
Trump’s Reaction to Ontario’s Ad
The ad, commissioned by Ontario’s provincial government, appeared on Friday and Saturday during the first two games of the World Series, sparking Trump’s anger. The ad quoted Reagan’s 1987 speech opposing tariffs, portraying them as harmful to consumers a message Trump took as a direct attack.
In a post on Truth Social while en route to Malaysia aboard Air Force One, Trump wrote, “Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD.” He continued, “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.”
The U.S. president also said he would end trade talks with Canada, though it was unclear what legal authority he would invoke to implement the new tariffs or when they would take effect. The White House has not yet commented on the decision.
Canada’s Response Over Ontario’s Controversial TV Ad
In response, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister overseeing trade with the U.S., issued a statement emphasizing that foreign trade negotiations fall under federal jurisdiction, not provincial. “Progress is best achieved through direct engagement with the U.S. administration,” he stated. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the ad would be withdrawn after the weekend, while both Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s offices declined to comment on Trump’s move.
Economic Impact and Ongoing Tariff Strain
Canada’s economy has been struggling under Trump’s existing trade tariffs. More than 75% of Canadian exports go to the U.S., with about $3.6 billion (CAD) worth of goods crossing the border daily. Currently, most Canadian goods face tariffs of up to 35%, with steel and aluminum taxed at 50% and energy products at 10%.
While many products are exempt under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA) a deal Trump negotiated in his first term the president has recently expressed dissatisfaction with it, calling for a review.
Reagan’s Legacy and Trump’s Legal Battle for Ontario’s Controversial TV Ad
Trump accused Ontario’s ad of distorting Reagan’s legacy, claiming the commercial sought to influence upcoming U.S. Supreme Court hearings on his power to impose tariffs. Lower courts had previously ruled that Trump may have overstepped his authority by enacting sweeping trade restrictions.
In contrast, Reagan a revered figure in the Republican Party had warned against tariffs in the same 1987 address featured in the ad, cautioning that they “rob the American consumer” and hurt economic freedom.
No Meeting Planned at ASEAN Summit
Both Trump and Prime Minister Carney are expected to attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, but Trump told reporters that he has no plans to meet Carney during the event. With this latest escalation, Trump’s renewed trade conflict risks further straining U.S.-Canada relations, just as both economies navigate fragile post-pandemic recoveries and high inflation.
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