Trump pulls plug on trade talks with Canada after anti-tariff Reagan ad

The move came after an anti-tariff advertisement sponsored by the Government of Ontario was broadcast to Americans.

The ad featured quotes from a radio address to the nation about free and fair trade by former US President Ronald Reagan.

Reagan’s April 1987 statements on free and fair trade addressed tariffs as seemingly patriotic and delivering short-term gains, but leading to longer-term retaliation and “fierce trade wars.”

According to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, the ad uses “selective audio and video of President Ronald Reagan,” but “misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address.”

An unedited transcript of Reagan’s full address can be found on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum website here.

Trump lashes out

Trump lashed out on social media, calling the ad “FAKE.”

He accused Canada of trying to interfere in US courts, as the Supreme Court will soon hear arguments on the legality of his unilateral tariffs.

“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” the president stated in his late-night rant.

“TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.,” he emphasized with all caps.

There had been no official statement from the White House as of this story’s publication.

Ontario delays takedown

“Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and business,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Friday afternoon.

Ford directed his team to continue running the advertisement over the weekend so it could be seen during the first two games of the World Series.

“Ontario will pause its U.S. advertising campaign effective Monday so that trade talks can resume,” Ford said.

“Canada and the U.S. are neighbours, friends and allies,” he added. “We’re so much stronger when we work together.”