President Donald Trump announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports after a controversial TV commercial aired during Game 1 of the World Series, featuring audio from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan criticizing high tariffs.
Ad Sparks Diplomatic Tension
The ad, produced in Ontario, protested Trump’s tariff policies and aired Friday night despite earlier calls for its removal. Trump responded on his social media platform, accusing Canada of a “hostile act.”
“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,” Trump wrote.
The move comes just days after Trump halted trade talks with Canada, citing the ad as a reason for the pause.
Ontario Officials Promise to Pull the Ad
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province will remove the commercial next week in hopes of resuming trade discussions but acknowledged it would still air during the World Series.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute condemned the ad, saying it used “selective audio and video” and misrepresented Reagan’s message. The foundation said it is reviewing legal options regarding the unauthorized use of Reagan’s likeness.
Tariffs and Trade Talks at Stake
The ad’s use of Reagan’s 1987 speech — delivered when he imposed duties on Japanese goods but warned against long-term trade wars — appeared aimed at contrasting Reagan’s caution with Trump’s aggressive stance.
Trump, meanwhile, claimed without evidence that the ad reflected Canada’s hope the U.S. Supreme Court would intervene in his trade policy. The Court is expected to hear a case this term on the scope of Trump’s tariff authority.
Despite Ontario’s promise to pull the ad, tensions between Washington and Ottawa remain high. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has not yet issued a formal response, while both governments face growing pressure from businesses worried about further trade disruptions.
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