US President Donald Trump has announced he is immediately ending all trade negotiations with Canada.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his displeasure over an advert run by the Ontario government featuring former US President Ronald Reagan speaking critically about tariffs.
Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED, Trump stated late on Thursday.
Currently, Trump has imposed a hefty 35% levy on imports from Canada while allowing some exemptions under the USMCA agreement, which he negotiated during his first term.
Trump accused the Ontario government of using the video to interfere with an upcoming US Supreme Court decision in November concerning the legality of his tariffs, which represent a significant test of his economic policies.
The Reagan voiceover in the advert warned against the long-term consequences of tariffs, stating, High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars... This message sharply contrasts with Trump's current tariff strategy.
The Ronald Reagan Foundation criticized the advertisement, saying it misrepresents Reagan's original message, and hinted at pursuing legal action against the Ontario government for using his likeness without permission.
In response to Trump's tariff threats, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been particularly vocal, promising to keep advocating against American tariffs, highlighting their detrimental effects on Ontario's economy, especially in the automotive and steel sectors.
Ford had even once offered to cut off power supply to the US in retaliation to the trade tensions. The advert campaign running on US mainstream channels reportedly costs Canadian taxpayers about $75 million CAD.
As trade relations further deteriorate, Trump's tariffs, especially on sectors like steel and automobiles, continue to put Canadian businesses under pressure, raising concerns over job losses and economic stability.
