President Donald Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on goods imported from Canada. This decision follows the broadcast of an anti-tariff advertisement by the province of Ontario, which featured former President Ronald Reagan.
In a social media post, President Trump described the advertisement as a “hostile act” and a “fraud.” He expressed his displeasure that the ad was allowed to run during the World Series, which featured the Toronto Blue Jays.
The US President stated that the tariff on Canadian goods would be increased by an additional 10%, on top of existing tariffs. This announcement comes shortly after Trump withdrew from trade talks with Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated that the province would pause its anti-tariff advertising campaign in the US following discussions aimed at resuming trade talks. However, the advertisement was still scheduled to be shown over the weekend, including during World Series games.
Canada remains the only G7 nation that has not yet reached a trade agreement with the US under President Trump’s administration. The US has already imposed significant tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 35% levy on most imports (though many are exempt due to existing trade agreements), and sector-specific tariffs on metals and automobiles.
The advertisement in question, sponsored by the Ontario government, features clips of Ronald Reagan from a 1987 radio address where he speaks critically of tariffs. The Reagan Foundation has since stated that the ad misrepresented Reagan’s message and that permission for its use had not been sought.
President Trump’s administration has been pursuing a protectionist trade policy, which has led to increased tensions with several major trading partners.
The article notes that three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the US, and Ontario is a hub for automobile manufacturing, highlighting the economic implications of these trade disputes.
In a separate but related development, Premier Ford engaged in a public bet with California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the World Series outcome, playfully referencing tariffs and pledging to send maple syrup if the LA Dodgers won, and requesting California wine if the Toronto Blue Jays were victorious. Both leaders expressed hope for a tariff-free friendship between their regions.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.