Donald Trump Calls Off Canada Trade Talks After ‘Fake’ Reagan Ad Controversy

US President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing the country of using a misleading advertisement featuring former US President Ronald Reagan. The video, which Trump described as "FAKE," showed Reagan criticizing tariffs and has reignited diplomatic tension between Washington and Ottawa.

Trump Slams 'Fake' Reagan Ad on Truth Social

Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the advertisement. "The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs," Trump wrote.

The controversial advertisement was shared by Ontario Premier Doug Ford on X and included a clip of Reagan saying, "When someone says, 'Let's impose tariffs on foreign imports,' it looks like they're doing the patriotic thing by protecting American products and jobs, and sometimes for a short while it works, but only for a short time. But over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer."

The ad was reportedly aired during a widely viewed American League Championship Series game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. Fox Sports, which broadcasted the event, said that more than nine million people were watching.

Reagan Foundation Considers Legal Action

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute strongly criticized the use of the former president's remarks. According to a report by NBC News, the foundation said on Thursday that it was "reviewing its legal options" regarding the unauthorized usage.

"The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address, and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks," the foundation said.

Trump further alleged that the ad was made to interfere with judicial decisions in the United States, asserting that tariffs were essential for national economic growth and security. "The ad was for $75,000,000. They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts. TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED," he added.

Another Setback in US-Canada Relations

Trump's announcement marks another downturn in trade relations between the two neighboring countries. In June, he had also halted trade discussions with Canada, claiming Ottawa was treating American technology companies and dairy producers unfairly.

In response, Canada imposed quotas on steel imports. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the decision was intended to counter "unjust US tariffs."

Relations improved slightly in the following months after Canada decided to withdraw its proposed digital services tax that targeted major US companies. The move was seen as an effort to ease tensions between both sides.

Efforts to Rebuild Ties Face New Strain

Earlier in October, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Trump at the White House to discuss trade and cooperation. Standing beside Carney, Trump had spoken of the "mutual love" between the two nations but also hinted that disagreements could return.

"We want Canada to do great," Trump had said. "But you know, there's a point at which we also want the same business."

The recent controversy over the 'Fake' Reagan ad has now placed renewed strain on US-Canada relations, threatening to undo recent progress in rebuilding mutual trust.