President Trump has “terminated” all trade talks with Canada, and a provincial ad featuring Ronald Reagan is to blame. The president announced the move on truth social.
He called the Ontario-sponsored ad “fake” and “fraudulent,” accusing Canada of “egregious behavior” and trying to meddle in US legal affairs.
The ad used a 1987 clip of Reagan warning against tariffs to protest the 35% US levies on Canadian steel, timber, and cars. These tariffs have severely impacted Ontario’s economy.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio confirmed the suspension of negotiations. This adds tension to the relationship as pm mark carney has been trying to negotiate an easing of the trade war.
The ad is also facing criticism from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, which said the “selective” clips “misrepresent” the full speech and were used without permission.