Donald Trump Hikes Duties on Canada's Imports After Ronald Reagan Ad

Donald Trump traveling aboard the presidential aircraft
Donald Trump declared the duty hike while en route to Southeast Asia on the weekend

Donald Donald Trump has stated he is increasing tariffs on goods imported from Canadian sources after the region of the Ontario government aired an anti-import tax commercial including late President Ronald Reagan.

In a Truth Social message on the weekend, Trump described the advertisement a "deception" and criticized Canadian authorities for not removing it ahead of the World Series.

"Because of their significant misrepresentation of the truth, and unfriendly action, I am hiking the duty on Canada by 10 percent over and above what they are being charged now," he stated.

After the President on last Thursday withdrew from trade negotiations with Canada, the Ontario premier stated he would remove the commercial.

The Province Reaction

Doug Ford Doug Ford announced on Friday that he would pause his province's anti-tariff ad campaign in the United States, informing reporters that he chose after discussions with Prime Minister Carney "in order that trade negotiations can resume".

He added it would continue to air during the weekend, including contests for the baseball championship, which includes the Blue Jays versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Economic Context

The Canadian nation is the only G7 nation country that has not secured a deal with the America since Donald Trump started seeking to impose high tariffs on items from primary trading partners.

The United States has previously imposed a 35 percent duty on all Canadian goods - though many are free under an existing free trade agreement. It has also slapped industry-specific levies on Canada's goods, such as a 50 percent duty on metal products and twenty-five percent on vehicles.

In his message, sent while he was traveling to Asia, the President indicated he was adding 10 percentage points to the existing tariffs.

Three-quarters of Canada's exported goods are sold to the US, and Ontario is host to the bulk of Canadian automobile manufacturing.

Ronald Reagan Ad Details

The advertisement, which was funded by the Ontario authorities, quotes former US President Ronald Reagan, a Republican and icon of American conservatism, saying duties "harm American citizens".

The video uses clips from a 1987 national radio address that focused on foreign trade.

The Foundation, which is tasked with preserving the late president's memory, had criticised the advert for using "carefully chosen" sound and footage and said it falsified the former president's remarks. It also said the Ontario government had not requested permission to use it.

Continuing Conflicts

In his message on his platform on Saturday, Donald Trump claimed that the commercial should have been pulled down sooner.

"Ontario's Advertisement was to be removed AT ONCE, but they kept it broadcasting last night during the baseball championship, realizing that it was a LIE," he wrote, while en route to Southeast Asia.

Ford had before pledged to run the Ronald Reagan advertisement in every Republican area in the United States.

Each of Trump and the PM will be attending the ASEAN in Malaysia, but Donald Trump advised the media traveling with him aboard the presidential plane that he does not have any "intention" of conferring with his Canadian counterpart during the visit.

In his post, the President also alleged Canada of attempting to manipulate an future Supreme Court lawsuit which could end his whole import duty program.

The case, to be heard by the American judiciary next month, will rule on whether the import taxes are lawful.

On last Thursday, the President further condemned, claiming that the commercial was designed to "meddle" with "the most significant legal case"

MLB Finals Connection

The advertisement is not the only way that Ontario – home of the Toronto Blue Jays – is using the World Series as a platform to condemn the President's import taxes.

In a recording shared on last Friday, Doug Ford and Governor the Governor jokingly placed wagers about which side would win the finals.

Each official repeatedly joked about duties in the video, with the Premier vowing to provide Gavin Newsom a container of Canadian syrup if the Dodgers triumph.

"The duty might charge me a additional dollars at the border these days, but it'll be acceptable," he stated.

In answer, the Governor asked the Premier to resume enabling US-made alcohol to be marketed in regional beverage outlets, and promised to deliver "the state's premium wine" if the Toronto team win.

They concluded their dialogue each saying: "Here's to a great MLB finals, and a tax-free friendship between Ontario and the state."

Richard Mitchell
Richard Mitchell

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience in reviewing video games and analyzing gaming trends.