US President Donald Trump has reignited his trade war rhetoric, this time targeting Canada, accusing Ottawa of “cheating” and “fraudulently manipulating” the legacy of former President Ronald Reagan in an ad campaign criticizing tariffs.
Trump claimed the Canadian government attempted to “illegally influence” the US Supreme Court ahead of a crucial November 5 hearing that will determine the legality of his global tariff policies.
“Canada cheated and got caught!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “They fraudulently took a big buy ad saying that Ronald Reagan did not like tariffs, when actually he loved tariffs for our country and its national security.”
He added that “all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated”, accusing Ottawa of “egregious behaviour” and “interference” in US affairs.
🇨🇦 The Controversial Advertisement
The controversy centers around a political advertisement reportedly commissioned by the Ontario provincial government, which featured an edited audio clip of Reagan warning against tariffs. The ad used parts of a 1987 Reagan radio address, where he said that imposing tariffs might seem “patriotic” in the short term but would “hurt American workers and consumers” in the long run.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation quickly condemned the ad, accusing the Ontario government of misrepresentation and confirming that it had not granted permission for the use or alteration of Reagan’s remarks.
“The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address, and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks,” the Foundation said in a statement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, meanwhile, acknowledged that the ad had reached the White House. “I heard that the president heard our ad. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy,” he said with a chuckle.
⚖️ Tariffs and the Supreme Court Battle
The dispute comes amid a pending US Supreme Court case concerning the legality of Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, which he argues are essential for national security. Trump’s administration has re-imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, prompting retaliatory measures from Ottawa.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has called tariffs “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”, framing them as key to protecting American manufacturing.
🌎 Worsening US-Canada Trade Relations
This latest confrontation marks a sharp escalation in already tense US-Canada trade relations. While Ottawa has not issued an official response to Trump’s new claims, trade analysts say the president’s remarks could further strain diplomatic ties just months before a new round of North American trade talks was expected to begin.
Observers warn that the standoff could have wider implications for cross-border supply chains and North American economic stability, especially in sectors like automotive and energy.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
