Ontario-funded controversial ads aired in U.S. for $75 million; talks ended weeks after Trump met Carney
Washington
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of all trade talks with Canada, accusing the country of using a “fake” advertisement involving former President Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Ronald Reagan Foundation had confirmed that Canada “fraudulently used” an altered video of Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. He claimed the ad, reportedly costing $75,000, was designed to interfere with U.S. Supreme Court decisions and called the act “egregious behavior.”
“Tariffs are very important to the national security and economy of the U.S.A.,” Trump wrote, declaring that “all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated.”
According to reports, the controversial ads were funded by the Ontario government and aired across major U.S. television networks, costing around $75 million in total. The decision to end talks comes just weeks after Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Washington on October 7, where they discussed trade, border security, and cooperation efforts.
Speaking earlier from the Oval Office, Trump described trade negotiations with Canada as “complicated,” citing the close but competitive relationship between the two neighbors. He noted that while both countries share “mutual love,” natural business competition had created occasional tensions.
On tariffs, Trump reiterated his stance on strengthening domestic steel production and reducing reliance on imports. He also praised Canada’s improved border security and efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking, calling the cooperation “life-saving for both nations.”
The Canadian government has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s announcement.
