WASHINGTON – In a sudden move, U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that all trade negotiations with Canada were terminated. The decision was prompted by a controversial advertisement from the Canadian province of Ontario that featured the late President Ronald Reagan making critical remarks about tariffs.
Trump Announces End to Negotiations Following “Fraudulent” Ad
President Trump announced the breakdown in talks via his Truth Social platform, citing “egregious behavior” from the Canadian side. “ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” he wrote. The dispute stems from an ad released by the government of Ontario, which included archival footage of President Reagan, a Republican icon, arguing that tariffs lead to job losses and trade wars. Ontario Premier Doug Ford noted earlier this week that the advertisement had likely drawn President Trump’s attention and that he was “sure he wasn’t too happy” about it.
Reagan Foundation Condemns Ad and Reviews Legal Options
The use of Ronald Reagan’s image quickly drew a sharp rebuke from The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. In a statement released late Thursday, the foundation accused the Ontario government of “using selective audio and video” that misrepresented a 1987 presidential radio address. The foundation clarified that it did not grant permission for the government to use or edit Reagan’s remarks and announced it was reviewing its legal options in response to the ad.
Background in Ongoing Trade Tensions
The trade talks between the two nations have been ongoing for weeks, focusing specifically on the steel and aluminum sectors. The negotiations were a direct response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, which prompted Ottawa to retaliate with equivalent measures. President Trump has frequently employed tariffs as a tool for diplomatic and trade leverage with numerous countries, elevating U.S. tariff rates to their highest levels since the 1930s.
Broader Implications and the Road Ahead
The collapse of these talks adds another layer of complexity to the North American trade relationship. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Thursday that Canada would not concede to unfair U.S. access to its markets should discussions on various trade deals fail. This development occurs as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare for a scheduled review of their 2020 continental free-trade agreement next year. The Canadian federal government has not yet issued an official comment on President Trump’s termination of negotiations.
