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U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended trade negotiations with Canada, igniting a new Trump Canada trade dispute over what he called a “fake” Ontario government advertisement. The ad featured excerpts from former President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 anti-tariff speech. Trump claimed the campaign misrepresented Reagan’s position on tariffs and accused Canada of spreading misinformation.
The Trump Canada trade dispute erupted shortly after Trump’s friendly meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House. The sudden reversal shocked trade officials on both sides of the border.
Ontario’s Reagan Ad Airs Across U.S.
The Ontario government bought airtime on major American networks, broadcasting edited clips of Reagan’s Camp David radio address. In the speech, Reagan strongly criticized tariffs, arguing they hurt American workers and trigger trade wars.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad, saying it simply reminded Americans of Reagan’s belief in “free and fair trade.” Ford called Reagan “the best president America has ever seen” and insisted the ad was factual and respectful.
Reagan Foundation Joins the Debate
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute stated the ad used “selective audio and video” and “misrepresented the Presidential Radio Address.” It also noted Ontario had not sought permission to use or modify the speech and said it was reviewing possible legal action.
Trump echoed the foundation’s criticism on Truth Social, claiming Reagan actually supported tariffs “for our country and its national security.” He thanked the foundation for “exposing this fraud.”
Historical Context of Reagan’s Message
In the original 1987 speech, Reagan condemned protectionism and highlighted how tariffs worsened the Great Depression. Although he briefly imposed tariffs on Japanese semiconductors, Reagan called them a last resort and warned against economic nationalism.
Reagan’s nuanced stance, now at the center of the Trump Canada trade dispute, illustrates a long-standing debate in U.S. politics: whether tariffs protect national interests or endanger economic growth.
Growing Strain Between Ottawa and Washington
The controversy adds new strain to already sensitive U.S.-Canada trade relations. Ontario’s decision to run the ad during major U.S. events, including the American League Championship Series, amplified tensions as the Blue Jays prepared for the World Series.
As Washington and Ottawa recalibrate their trade priorities, both leaders face pressure to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
