President Donald Trump says he's terminating all trade negotiations with Canada over anti-tariff television advertisement campaign
Share and Follow

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that he is halting all trade discussions with Canada. This decision follows a Canadian television ad criticizing U.S. tariffs, which Trump claims misrepresented facts and attempted to sway American judicial decisions.

The announcement on Trump’s social media platform came shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed plans to increase his country’s exports to nations beyond the U.S., in response to the looming threat of tariffs imposed by Trump. The president’s abrupt termination of negotiations could exacerbate the already tense trade relationship between the two neighboring countries.

Trump stated, “The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just alerted us that Canada fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs.”

He further asserted, “The ad cost $75,000 and was created solely to influence the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts. TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Due to their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

Carney’s office did not immediately comment on the situation. The prime minister is scheduled to depart Friday morning for an Asian summit, while Trump plans to leave later that evening.

Earlier Thursday night, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute posted on X that an ad created by the government of Ontario “misrepresents the ‘Presidential Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade’ dated April 25, 1987.” It added that Ontario did not receive foundation permission “to use and edit the remarks.”

The foundation said it is “reviewing legal options in this matter” and invited the public to watch the unedited video of Reagan’s address.

Carney met with Trump earlier this month to try to ease trade tensions, as the two countries and Mexico prepare for a review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement – a trade deal Trump negotiated in his first term, but has since soured on.

More than three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the U.S., and nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border daily.

Trump said earlier this week that he had seen the ad on television and said that it showed that his tariffs were having an impact.

“I saw an ad last night from Canada. If I was Canada, I’d take that same ad also,” he said then.

In his own post on X last week, Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, posted a link to the ad and the message: “It’s official: Ontario’s new advertising campaign in the U.S. has launched.”

He continued, “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.”

A spokesperson for Ford didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday night. But Ford previously got Trump’s attention with an electricity surcharge to U.S. states. Trump responded by doubling steel and aluminum tariffs.

The president has moved to impose steep U.S. tariffs on many goods from Canada. In April, Canada’s government imposed retaliatory levies on certain U.S. goods — but it carved out exemptions for some automakers to bring specific numbers of vehicles into the country, known as remission quotas.

Trump’s tariffs have especially hurt Canada’s auto sector, much of which is based in Ontario. This month, Stellantis said it would move a production line from Ontario to Illinois

Associated Press Writer Rob Gillies in Toronto, Ontario, contributed to this report.

.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Police Launch Manhunt Following Campus Assault on College Student Tied to Road Rage Incident

University officials in Maryland are on the hunt for a suspect following…

Eric Adams Set to Back Former Adversary Andrew Cuomo in New York City Mayoral Race Endorsement

NEW YORK (AP) — In a surprising political twist, New York City…

Stunning Footage Surfaces of Terry Rozier’s Challenging NBA Game

Basketball enthusiasts have recently uncovered footage highlighting a lackluster performance by Terry…

Mother Takes the Stand in Emotional Trial Over Child’s Tragic Shooting Death

In Youngstown, Ohio, a tragic incident unfolded on October 22, 2023, transforming…

Detectives Solve Decades-Old Mystery with New Confession Revelation

In a remarkable turn of events, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has…

Heartfelt Tributes: Manhattan, IL Community Honors Two Junior High Students Lost in Tragic Incidents

The community of Manhattan, Illinois, is reeling from a series of heartbreaking…

Trump Halts Trade Negotiations with Canada: The Surprising Influence of TV Ads

Following a statement by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who expressed intentions…

Virginia Democrats Aim to Redefine US House Districts Amid Trump’s Redistricting Efforts

In a strategic move to enhance their prospects in the upcoming midterm…