U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to announce a 10% increase in tariffs on Canada, citing a misleading advertisement by the Ontario government. The ad, using Ronald Reagan’s speech on tariffs, was described as fraudulent by Trump, who expressed his discontent on Truth Social.
The specific tariffs targeted by the president remain unclear, with inquiries made to the White House, the Prime Minister’s Office, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office for clarification. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, criticized the move on social media, highlighting the potential impact on American consumers.
This recent development stems from an Ontario government ad that leverages Reagan’s anti-tariff stance. Trump’s decision to halt trade discussions with Canada was fueled by his belief that the ad misrepresented Reagan’s views on tariffs. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute also disapproved of the ad’s unauthorized use of Reagan’s words.
In response to the escalating situation, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the withdrawal of the ad from U.S. airwaves. However, the ad is expected to reach a significant audience during the World Series. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasized the negative implications of tariffs on American consumers and North American competitiveness.
Trump’s social media post also referenced a legal battle regarding tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and other countries. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review the constitutionality of these tariffs in November. The outcome could potentially impact the tariffs imposed by Trump, including those labeled as “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Malaysia exploring trade opportunities with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as Trump’s trade decisions loom over international relations. Carney expressed readiness to engage in trade discussions with the U.S. for mutual benefit.
The ongoing trade tensions have sparked criticism and concerns from various political figures, highlighting the complexities and implications of trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.