Trump Ends All Trade Talks with Canada Over ‘Fake’ Ronald Reagan Ad:

U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing the Canadian government of producing a “fraudulent” advertisement that misused the image and words of late President Ronald Reagan to criticize American tariffs. In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, Trump wrote, “The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs.” He claimed the ad was created to “interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts.” “Based on their egregious behavior,” Trump declared, “ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.” Reagan Foundation Calls Out “Misuse” of Historical Speech The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute confirmed earlier in the day that an advertisement aired by the Ontario government used clips from Reagan’s 1987 Presidential Radio Address on Free and Fair Trade without permission. According to the foundation, the Ontario ad “misrepresents” Reagan’s remarks and was edited to appear as though he was directly criticizing Trump’s trade policies. The foundation said it was “reviewing legal options” and urged the public to view the original, unedited speech, which promoted global trade partnerships while defending fair trade principles. Ontario Premier Defends the Ad The controversial advertisement was part of a campaign launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to push back against U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods such as steel, aluminum, and autos. The ad featured Reagan warning that “high tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation, shrinking markets, and lost jobs.” Ford said earlier this week that he was aware Trump had seen the ad. “I heard that the president heard our ad. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy,” Ford said, adding that Ontario would “never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada.” “Using every tool we have, we’ll continue to show that working together—rather than punishing each other—is the path to prosperity,” Ford added in a social media post that included a link to the advertisement. Canada’s Trade Response The timing of Trump’s decision could have significant consequences for Canada’s economy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said this week that his government plans to double exports to markets outside the United States, citing the instability caused by Trump’s tariff policies. Carney also made it clear that Canada will “not allow unfair U.S. access to our markets” if trade talks collapse. His remarks came as negotiations between Washington and Ottawa had reportedly been making progress before the controversy erupted. Trade Tensions Already High This latest dispute adds fuel to an already tense trade relationship. Earlier this year, Trump reimposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobile exports, prompting Canada to retaliate with its own measures. Despite ongoing talks to resolve the impasse, Trump’s announcement effectively halts any progress that had been made. More than 75% of Canada’s exports are sold to the United States, and about C$3.6 billion (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border every day. Analysts warn that halting trade negotiations could disrupt key industries, from manufacturing to agriculture, at a time when both economies are seeking stability. What Happens Next? Trump’s declaration marks one of the most dramatic escalations in U.S.–Canada relations in recent years. While some experts believe his statement may be a negotiating tactic, others say it could signal a real breakdown in communication between two of North America’s closest allies. With a review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) scheduled in the coming year, the suspension of talks raises questions about whether the agreement itself could be at risk. As of Friday morning, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office had not issued a formal response to Trump’s statement. The Reagan Foundation, meanwhile, continues to review its legal options over what it calls a “misrepresentation” of the late president’s legacy. For now, the once-steady trade relationship between Washington and Ottawa faces renewed uncertainty—this time sparked not by economics, but by a decades-old speech from one of America’s most iconic presidents.

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