US President Donald Trump has announced the immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. In a post made on Truth Social, he expressed his discontent over a government-sponsored advertisement that employed the voice of former US President Ronald Reagan to speak against tariffs.
Trump stated, Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED, highlighting his strong stance following the ad's release on Thursday.
Currently, Trump has placed a hefty 35% levy on Canadian imports while allowing exemptions for goods covered under the USMCA—the free trade agreement with both Canada and Mexico that Trump negotiated during his first presidency.
Trump's criticisms of the advertisement stem from his belief that it was meant to influence a crucial upcoming decision from the US Supreme Court regarding the legality of sweeping global tariffs. The decision could force the US to refund billions collected from tariffs.
In the minute-long advertisement, Reagan's voice can be heard discussing trade, warning about the long-term negative effects of tariffs on American workers and consumers. His statements raise concerns about retaliatory actions from foreign nations and potential trade wars.
The Ronald Reagan Foundation responded, noting that the Ontario government did not seek clearance or permission to use the edited remarks in the advertisement and labeled it as a misrepresentation of Reagan's speech.
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has been a vocal opposition to US tariffs, stating, we'll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. His province has faced substantial impacts due to these tariffs, particularly within the automobile and steel sectors.
Trump's decision and the chaos surrounding it could further strain the already delicate trade relations between the US and Canada, as both nations navigate the complexities of economic policies and international agreements.
