The Kabul Tribune (KT) — U.S. President Donald Trump said that all trade talks with Canada have been terminated following what he called a “fraudulent advertisement” that used late President Ronald Reagan’s remarks to criticize tariffs.
Trump, who imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and
autos earlier this year, said on Truth Social that Canada’s actions were
“egregious.”
“Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS
WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED,” Trump wrote.
The ad, produced by the government of Ontario, featured
Reagan speaking against tariffs in a 1987 radio address, suggesting such
policies caused job losses and trade wars. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said
earlier this week that the ad “caught Trump’s attention” and that he was “sure
he wasn’t too happy.”
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation said in a
statement Thursday night that the ad “used selective audio and video” and
misrepresented Reagan’s words. The foundation said Ontario’s government did not
seek permission to use or edit the material and that it was reviewing legal
options.
The Canadian government did not immediately comment.
Trump has frequently used tariffs as leverage in trade
disputes, driving U.S. tariff levels to their highest since the 1930s.
Businesses and economists have warned that such measures risk disrupting global
supply chains and fueling trade wars.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that
Canada “will not allow unfair U.S. access to its markets” if trade negotiations
fail.
The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to review
their 2020 continental free trade agreement next year.
