Trade Talks Collapse: The Reagan Advert Controversy Explained

Sun Oct 26 2025 00:07:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A radio ad featuring Ronald Reagan has sparked a halt to US-Canada trade negotiations, igniting a battle over the interpretation of his words on tariffs.

The US-Canada trade talks have abruptly ended as President Trump reacts to a controversial advert showcasing former President Reagan's views on tariffs, asserting they harm Americans. The ad, sponsored by Ontario, includes excerpts from Reagan's 1987 speech but has been criticized for misrepresenting the context. Trump labeled the advert as 'fake,' while the Reagan Foundation claims it distorts Reagan's message.

The US President Donald Trump has announced a halt to all trade negotiations with Canada following the release of an advert featuring Ronald Reagan. In the ad, released by Ontario, excerpts from Reagan's 1987 address assert that tariffs 'hurt every American.' Trump's response was to disparage the advert as 'FAKE,' and the Reagan Foundation claimed it misrepresents his words.

The one-minute advert focuses on Reagan's remarks about tariffs, which were part of a longer five-minute address. While it accurately quotes him, critics argue it alters the sequence of his statements, thereby misrepresenting his views.

Reagan's original 1987 speech emphasized that imposing tariffs can seem patriotic but ultimately disrupts free trade. He warned that high tariffs invite retaliation and ultimately hurt American consumers, indicating his strong support for free trade. This recent tension underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding international trade relations, particularly between the US and Canada.