President Donald Trump announced that he will impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports following a television advertisement aired by Ontario that criticized U.S. tariff policies using excerpts from former President Ronald Reagan. The ad ran during the first game of the World Series on Friday night and again on Saturday, prompting Trump to halt trade negotiations with Canada.
“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now,” Trump posted on his social media platform while traveling aboard Air Force One to Malaysia. He argued the ad misrepresented Reagan’s stance on tariffs, noting that the former president historically cautioned against high tariffs and warned of potential long-term economic consequences.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the ad would be pulled after the weekend, adding that their “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 businesses.” He also emphasized that Canada and the United States remain “neighbours, friends and allies” and are “stronger when we work together.”
Existing U.S. tariffs have significantly affected Canadian exports, which include nearly $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion U.S.) in goods and services crossing the border daily. Steel and aluminum face rates of 50%, while energy products face 10%, and most goods under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement are exempt.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation criticized the Canadian ad for using “selective audio and video” that misrepresents Reagan’s original address. Trump also suggested the ad could influence the U.S. Supreme Court as it considers arguments on his authority to impose sweeping tariffs. Both Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney are scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia, though Trump indicated he does not plan to meet with Carney there.
