The government of Ontario announced it will pull an American-televised advertisement that provoked a diplomatic flare-up and led Donald Trump to halt trade talks with Canada.
Premier Doug Ford said the province will suspend the campaign, which featured a clip of Ronald Reagan warning against tariffs, starting on Monday so that negotiations can resume.
The ad, run in major U.S. markets and financed by Ontario, triggered Trump’s decision to end “all trade dealings” with Canada.
The president claimed Canada was “trying to illegally influence the United States Supreme Court in one of the most important rulings in the history of our Country.”
The ad features Reagan negatively speaking about tariffs in a 1987 radio address and warning that they can lead to market collapse and job loss.
Trump, who levies tariffs like a drunk sailor, took to Truth Social with his response. “TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND ECONOMY.”
Despite the quotes being real, Trump yelled on Social Media that the ad was ‘FAKE.’
Ford defended the ad as a message to American workers and businesses about the dangers of tariffs, stating “we’ve achieved our goal, having reached U.S. audiences at the highest levels.”
The move marks a reversal from the earlier stance of the Ontario government, which had defended the campaign and even planned to continue airing it through the weekend by placing it during major sporting events.
With trade relations between the two countries now in limbo, Canadian federal officials say they remain ready to resume detailed talks, pending the U.S. side’s willingness to continue.