President Trump has slammed Canada for “egregious behavior” over an ad critical of his tariffs, announcing an immediate end to all trade negotiations with the country.
The ad, sponsored by the province of Ontario, used a 1987 clip of president Ronald Reagan warning that “trade barriers hurt every American worker.” Trump called the ad “fake” and an attempt to interfere in US legal proceedings.
The tariffs have been a major source of tension, with the US imposing a 35% rate on Canadian goods like steel and timber. Ontario premier Doug Ford, who launched the ad, said he was “using every tool” to fight the “American tariffs.”
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation also took aim at the ad, stating it used “selective audio” to “misrepresent” the former president’s comments and that no permission was sought. Trump cited the foundation’s criticism in his post.
Despite the termination of talks, confirmed by secretary of state Marco Rubio, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has vowed to continue seeking dialogue with the US, Canada’s largest trading partner.