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Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over ‘Fraudulent’ Reagan Tariff Ad
President Trump halts all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing Ottawa of releasing a “fraudulent” Reagan ad criticizing tariffs. Tensions rise ahead of U.S.-Canada trade review next year.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-24
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over ‘Fraudulent’ Reagan Tariff Ad

U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly terminated trade negotiations with Canada, accusing the Canadian government of airing a “fraudulent” political advertisement featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs and warning of trade wars.

The dispute erupted after an advertisement from the Ontario provincial government used edited audio and video clips of Reagan’s 1987 radio address, in which he discussed the dangers of tariffs on foreign imports. Trump reacted sharply on Truth Social Thursday night, calling the ad deceptive and announcing the immediate suspension of trade talks.

“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” Trump wrote.

The decision comes amid ongoing discussions between both countries over tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos — sectors deeply affected by Trump’s earlier protectionist policies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who lifted most retaliatory tariffs imposed by his predecessor, had been seeking a new trade understanding with Washington.

On Friday, Trump further accused Canada of attempting to influence the U.S. Supreme Court, which is set to hear arguments next month over the legality of his global tariff regime. “President Reagan believed in tariffs,” Trump claimed, contradicting Reagan’s well-documented support for free markets and open trade.

The controversial ad, produced by Ontario’s provincial government under Premier Doug Ford, featured Reagan’s voice criticizing tariffs as a trigger for job losses and economic downturns. “Markets shrink and collapse; businesses and industries shut down; and millions of people lose their jobs,” Reagan says in the edited clip.

However, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation condemned the ad, stating that the Canadian government had “selectively edited” the 1987 speech and used it without authorization. “The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address,” the Foundation said, adding that it is reviewing legal options.

Ford, known for urging a tougher stance against Trump, admitted the ad was designed to pressure Washington. “I heard that the president heard our ad. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy,” he said earlier this week.

Economists warn that Trump’s ongoing trade war has already raised U.S. tariffs to their highest levels since the 1930s, hurting consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. The spat now casts a shadow over next year’s scheduled review of the 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Canada’s federal government has yet to respond officially to Trump’s termination announcement. Prime Minister Carney, however, reiterated that Canada “will not allow unfair U.S. access to its markets” if negotiations break down.
Tagged:

Canada

Donald trump

TradeWar

Tariffs

Reagan
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