Petulant former President Donald Trump has decided to halt all trade negotiations with Canada, citing concerns over television advertisements. Trump expressed outrage over what he called “egregious behavior” in the ads, believing they were designed to influence US court decisions and oppose tariffs. Trade tensions between the two countries have been escalating for months, and Trump’s sudden decision to end negotiations is expected to further escalate the situation.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of fraudulently using an advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs to sway court decisions. He emphasized the importance of tariffs to national security and the US economy, declaring the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada due to their behavior.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously expressed plans to increase exports to countries outside the US in response to Trump’s tariffs, but his office has not yet responded to Trump’s latest move. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute denounced an ad created by the government of Ontario, stating that it misrepresented Reagan’s remarks on free and fair trade without permission.
Despite a previous meeting between Trump and Carney to ease trade tensions, the situation remains tense as the US, Canada, and Mexico prepare to review the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The majority of Canadian exports are destined for the US, with billions of dollars’ worth of goods crossing the border daily.
Trump recently criticized a Canadian ad on television, suggesting that it highlighted the impact of his tariffs. Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched an advertising campaign in the US against American tariffs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for mutual prosperity.