Trump calls off trade talks with Canada over “fake” Reagan ad

U.S. President Donald Trump has terminated all trade negotiations with Canada, claiming an Ontario government advertisement misused Ronald Reagan’s voice to oppose tariffs.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of airing a “FAKE” and “fraudulent” ad, writing that “ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

The $75 million Ontario ad campaign, broadcast on major American networks, includes Reagan’s 1987 remarks warning that tariffs can trigger trade wars and job losses. The Reagan Foundation objected, saying the clip was used without authorization.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad, saying it accurately quoted Reagan and used material from the public domain. Ford’s government said the campaign was designed to “speak directly to American voters” about the mutual harm caused by tariffs.

The controversy erupted just days after Trump met with Prime Minister Mark Carney , and weeks after he ordered his cabinet to finalize a trade deal covering steel, aluminum, and energy.

FORD DEFENDS REAGAN AD AFTER TRUMP TERMINATES TRADE TALKS WITH CANADA
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has responded to Trump’s decision to end trade negotiations, defending his province’s ad campaign and invoking Reagan’s legacy of free trade.
“President Reagan knew that we are stronger together,” Ford said in a statement, adding that the ad promotes “jobs on both sides of the border.”

Trump accused Ontario of using a “fake” Reagan quote, while the Reagan Foundation said the ad misrepresented a 1987 address. However, Reagan’s original speech warned of the dangers of tariffs—a message consistent with the ad.

The $75 million campaign continues to air on major U.S. networks. Trump has since accused Canada of attempting to “influence the U.S. Supreme Court” and “cheating on tariffs.”