Trump Stops Trade Talks With Canada After Ontario Ad Row
Ontario Ad Featuring Ronald Reagan Sparks U.S. Outrage
A political storm erupted after the Ontario government released an advertisement featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s anti-tariff remarks. The ad reportedly angered U.S. President Donald Trump, leading him to stop trade talks with Canada. Trump called the campaign “fake” and accused Canada of “deception.”
Trade experts argue that the ad is edited but not fake, featuring excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 radio address, where he strongly opposed tariffs and advocated for fair trade.
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Doug Ford Responds to Trump Stopping Trade Talks With Canada
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose campaign triggered the controversy, responded by sharing the full YouTube link to Reagan’s original 1987 speech.
Ford tweeted:-
Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and businesses. We've achieved our goal, having reached U.S. audiences at the highest levels. I've directed my team to keep putting our…
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 24, 2025
“As neighbours and long-standing partners, the United States and Canada enjoy a strong and enduring friendship. Ronald Reagan recognised that unity is the foundation of our strength.”
Ford later confirmed he would pause the ad campaign, clarifying that the ad’s purpose was to spark public discussion about tariffs and economic policy:
“We wanted Americans to think about how tariffs affect workers and businesses. We’ve achieved that, reaching audiences at the highest level. We’ll keep broadcasting our message throughout the opening two games of the World Series.”
Why Trump Stopped Trade Talks With Canada?
The Ontario government’s $75-million ad campaign showing Reagan criticising tariffs led Trump to claim the ad misrepresented Reagan’s views. On Truth Social,
Trump wrote:
“Levies on imports are critical to preserving America’s economic power and protecting its borders. Based on Canada’s disgraceful behaviour, all trade talks are hereby terminated.”
This decision represents a major setback for the Canadian government, led by former central banker Mark Carney, who had been trying to showcase a stronger international profile than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Reagan Foundation Criticises Ontario Ad
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute condemned Ontario’s campaign, accusing it of using “selective audio and video clips” that distorted Reagan’s original message.
The Foundation announced it is reviewing legal options regarding the use of Reagan’s voice and likeness in political advertising.
What the advertisement showed:-
The advertisement at the centre of Donald Trump’s recent outrage — which ultimately led to the headline “Trump Stops Trade Talks With Canada” — wasn’t fake, but rather edited. It featured excerpts from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s national radio address on April 25, 1987. In that speech, Reagan strongly advocated for free and fair trade while cautioning against the dangers of tariffs. The Ontario government had purchased airtime on major U.S. networks for this ad, which included segments of Reagan’s remarks made at Camp David during a period of rising tension between Washington and Tokyo.
It’s official: Ontario’s new advertising campaign in the U.S. has launched.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 16, 2025
Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. The way to prosperity is by working together.
Watch our new ad. pic.twitter.com/SgIVC1cqMJ
The Ontario government’s $75-million ad campaign showing Reagan criticising tariffs led Trump to claim the ad misrepresented Reagan’s views. On Truth Social,
Trump wrote:
“Levies on imports are critical to preserving America’s economic power and protecting its borders. Based on Canada’s disgraceful behaviour, all trade talks are hereby terminated.”
This decision represents a major setback for the Canadian government, led by former central banker Mark Carney, who had been trying to showcase a stronger international profile than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Reagan Foundation Criticises Ontario Ad
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute condemned Ontario’s campaign, accusing it of using “selective audio and video clips” that distorted Reagan’s original message.
The Foundation announced it is reviewing legal options regarding the use of Reagan’s voice and likeness in political advertising.
Experts: Ad Is Edited, Not Fake
Media and political analysts reviewed the ad alongside Reagan’s original 1987 speech. Their conclusion: while the ad is edited for brevity, it is factual and not fabricated — a detail that gained fresh attention after Trump Stops Trade Talks With Canada over the controversy.
Doug Ford defended the campaign, saying:
“It’s not a cheap ad — it’s factual. Every Republican recognises Reagan’s voice, and that’s what makes the message powerful.”
Opposition Criticises Liberal Government Over Trade Fallout
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticised Mark Carney’s handling of U.S. relations, mocking his previous claim that he could “negotiate a win” with Trump.
Poilievre wrote on social media:-
“According to Mark Carney, negotiations with President Trump are expected to result in a finalised deal by July 21. There’s no deal, no win. Tariffs are up.
Related Tweets:-
Mark Carney promised to “negotiate a win” with President Trump and to get a deal by July 21st. Still no deal. Still no win.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) October 24, 2025
Liberal elbows gone. U.S. tariffs up. Jobs headed south.
Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 24, 2025
God bless Canada and God bless the United States.https://t.co/n1Nj6ofNZU
Conclusion:-
diplomatic tensions have escalated after Trump halted trade negotiations with Canada, triggered by contentious remarks linked to Ronald Reagan. This decision has ignited a broad debate, highlighting the delicate nature of U.S.-Canada trade ties and the lasting impact of former presidents on current policy choices.”A shrinking workforce is placing additional strain on the Liberal government.