President Donald Trump made an official announcement on October 23, 2025, that the United States is ending all trade negotiations with Canada in response to an advertisement run by Ontario’s provincial government that used audio from former President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 radio address criticized tariffs’ economic effects and criticized tariffs’ negative economic impact. Trump labeled this advertisement “fake”, accusing Canada of interfering with U.S. Supreme Court cases regarding their legality as well as trying to interfere with ongoing litigation relating to his tariffs (Polico +1). (Polico +1).
Details and Response to an Advertisement and Call-out (Developers Only).
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government released a 60-second advertisement featuring excerpts from Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech warning against long-term negative effects of tariffs, such as trade wars and economic decline. However, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation expressed its concerns with its use; specifically that it misrepresented Reagan’s remarks and without permission; accordingly the Foundation may pursue legal action to respond accordingly.
Politico
Premier Ford defended the controversial ad by asserting its purpose was to spark dialogue about how tariffs impact American workers and businesses, with audience reach reaching record high levels. Ford announced that his campaign would continue airing during World Series games between Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers before being temporarily suspended on Monday to allow trade talks to recommence (according to AP News).
Implications of U.S.-Canada Trade Relations
The termination of trade negotiations marks an alarming escalation between Canada and the US, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing readiness to resume discussions, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to constructive negotiations; however, their breakdown underscores both the difficulties associated with trade disputes as well as public messaging’s impact on diplomatic relationships (Reuters).
Conclusion
Ontario’s anti-tariff advertisement highlights the delicate nature of international trade relations and public campaigns on diplomatic negotiations. Both nations continue to navigate this dispute, which will have long-term ramifications on trade policy and international cooperation.