TRADE WAR ERUPTS: Donald Trump Abruptly Ends All Trade Talks with Canada Over ‘FAKE’ TV Ad
- Donald Trump terminates all trade negotiations with Canada due to a TV ad opposing US tariffs
- The ad, which featured Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs, was deemed ‘FAKE’ by Trump
- Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney had aimed to double exports to countries outside the US due to Trump’s tariffs
- Trade tensions between the two nations have been building for months, with Trump imposing steep tariffs on Canadian goods
Donald Trump has sparked a trade war with Canada after abruptly ending all trade talks with the nation. The US President took to his social media site, Truth Social, to announce the termination of negotiations, citing a ‘FAKE’ TV ad opposing US tariffs as the reason.
The ad in question featured former US President Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. Trump claimed the ad was ‘fraudulently’ used by Canada to interfere with US court decisions and was ‘egregious behaviour’. He wrote, “TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”
The move has sent shockwaves through the trade community, with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney having previously aimed to double his country’s exports to nations outside the US due to Trump’s tariffs. The Canadian prime minister was set to leave for a summit in Asia, while Trump is scheduled to do the same later in the day.
Earlier, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute posted on X that the ad created by the Ontario government ‘misrepresents’ Reagan’s ‘Presidential Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade’ from 1987. The foundation added that Ontario did not receive permission to use and edit Reagan’s remarks.
Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, had previously posted a link to the ad on X, stating, “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.”
Trump has been vocal about his tariffs, claiming they are essential for US national security and the economy. He has imposed steep tariffs on many Canadian goods, particularly hurting the country’s auto sector. In response, Canada imposed retaliatory levies on certain US goods, but carved out exemptions for some automakers.
The trade tensions between the two nations have been building for months, with Trump’s tariffs causing significant economic strain on Canada. The termination of trade talks is set to further inflame the situation, leaving many wondering what’s next for the fragile trade relationship between the US and Canada.