The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute has publicly criticized a Canadian ad for using “selective audio” of the former president. President Trump cited this criticism as he announced an immediate end to all trade talks with Canada.
The foundation stated that the Ontario government did not seek permission for the 1987 clips and that the ad “misrepresents” Reagan’s full comments on trade. In the full speech, Reagan warned of protectionism but also defended his decision to impose tariffs on Japan.
Trump posted on social media that Canada had “fraudulently used an advertisment[sic]” and engaged in “egregious behavior.” He claimed it was an attempt to interfere with a US supreme court case on his global tariffs.
The ad was Ontario’s latest attempt to protest US tariffs, now at 35%, on its key industries like steel, aluminum, and autos. Premier Doug Ford defended the ad’s message, posting that “we are stronger together.”
The suspension of talks, confirmed by secretary of state Marco Rubio, puts the c$3.6 billion daily trade relationship at risk. Canadian pm mark carney said he was “disappointed” by the tariff hikes and would continue to seek dialogue.