Trump Threatens Canada With New 10% Tariff Over Reagan Ad/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods in response to an anti-tariff advertisement aired by Ontario during the World Series. The ad, which quoted Ronald Reagan, was labeled “fraudulent” by Trump. The move escalates trade tensions as both Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney head to Malaysia for a major summit.
U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute: Quick Looks
- Trump plans new 10% tariff on Canadian imports in retaliation for Ontario’s anti-tariff TV ad.
- Ad aired during World Series and quoted Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, angering Trump.
- Trump calls ad a “fraud” and accuses Canada of hostile misrepresentation of facts.
- Tariff increase to apply “over and above” existing rates on Canadian goods.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford said ad would be pulled, but it aired Friday and Saturday.
- Canadian officials respond cautiously, noting provinces don’t negotiate international trade.
- U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement under review, with Trump signaling dissatisfaction.
- Trump refuses meeting with PM Carney during ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
Trump Threatens Canada With New 10% Tariff Over Reagan Ad
Deep Look
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Donald Trump has announced his intention to impose an additional 10% tariff on imports from Canada, citing a recent anti-tariff television advertisement aired by Ontario as the trigger. The ad, which quoted former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in opposition to tariffs, was aired during the World Series and provoked swift condemnation from Trump.
Speaking via Truth Social while en route to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit, Trump accused Canada of deliberate misrepresentation and a hostile act against U.S. interests. “The Advertisement was to be taken down IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run during the World Series,” he wrote. “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.”
Uncertainty Around Implementation
It remains unclear what legal authority Trump plans to use to enforce the new tariffs or whether the increase will apply to all Canadian imports or select goods. The White House has not offered further clarification on the timing or scope of the tariff hike.
The controversial ad, sponsored by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s provincial government, featured clips from Reagan’s 1987 speech opposing tariffs. Although Reagan was known for his free-market stance, Trump claimed the ad distorted his legacy to undermine U.S. trade policy and influence an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case examining presidential powers over tariffs.
Ontario had pledged to withdraw the ad after the weekend, but its continued broadcast during the first two games of the World Series appears to have fueled Trump’s reaction.
Canadian Response
Canada’s federal government attempted to distance itself from the provincial ad campaign. Dominic LeBlanc, the Canadian cabinet minister overseeing U.S. trade relations, issued a statement emphasizing that federal authorities are responsible for international negotiations. “Progress is best achieved through direct engagement with the U.S. administration,” LeBlanc noted, indicating that Ontario’s actions do not reflect federal policy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office has not responded publicly, but the growing tension comes at a sensitive time. Canada’s economy is deeply reliant on trade with the United States, with over 75% of its exports destined south of the border. More than $3.6 billion Canadian in goods and services crosses the U.S.-Canada border each day.
Existing Tariffs Already Straining Trade
Canada is already subject to various U.S. tariffs imposed under Trump’s trade policies, including:
- 35% tariffs on many goods
- 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum
- 10% tariffs on energy products
While most trade is covered under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA), that deal is now under review. Trump negotiated the original agreement during his first term but has since expressed dissatisfaction with its terms, signaling a possible overhaul or withdrawal.
Summit Diplomacy Falters
Trump and Carney are both attending the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he has no plans to meet with the Canadian prime minister, citing continued anger over the advertisement.
The summit had been viewed as a potential venue for de-escalation, but the tariff announcement underscores the broader shift in U.S.-Canada relations under Trump’s second term. What was once a cooperative alliance has become increasingly strained, particularly over trade, defense policy, and energy exports.
Tariff Dispute and the Supreme Court
At the heart of Trump’s aggressive tariff policy lies an ongoing legal challenge that could reshape executive power. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments next month regarding whether Trump’s sweeping tariff initiatives overstep presidential authority. Trump suggested that the Ontario ad was timed to sway public opinion ahead of the case.
Lower courts have previously ruled against Trump, suggesting he exceeded his authority under current trade laws. If the high court agrees, it could limit the president’s ability to unilaterally impose or raise tariffs in the future.
For now, Trump appears determined to use tariffs as leverage—both in trade and diplomacy. His latest move against Canada adds new uncertainty for businesses, supply chains, and markets already strained by prolonged trade disputes and rising global instability.
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