Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on Canada Over Controversial Reagan Ad.
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is raising tariffs on Canadian goods by 10%, intensifying a trade dispute sparked by a Canadian anti-tariff advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan. The move follows Trump’s decision earlier this week to halt all trade talks with Canada, calling the ad campaign “fake” and misleading.
“Their advertisement was to be taken down immediately, but they let it run during the World Series, knowing it was a FRAUD,” Trump wrote on Truth Social while traveling to Asia for meetings with regional leaders.
“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts and hostile act, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.”
The Controversial Ad
The ad, released by Ontario, cited Reagan’s 1987 radio address warning that high tariffs could trigger retaliation and trade wars. While the quote matches official transcripts from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the foundation stated that Ontario used “selective audio and video” and is exploring legal options.
Ontario has said it will remove the ad on Monday to allow trade negotiations to resume.
Economic Impact
Trump’s sectoral tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles have already affected Canadian businesses, causing job losses and operational pressure. However, under the USMCA agreement, roughly 85% of cross-border trade remains tariff-free.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the tariffs as “levels last seen during the Great Depression”, emphasizing that Canada’s economic strategy will need major adjustments, which will take time and sacrifices.
Adding a Sporting Twist
The trade tensions coincided with the World Series, where the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays won the first game 11-4, adding a symbolic note to the cross-border dispute.
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