US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States has halted all trade negotiations with Canada, following criticism over a political advertisement that used a clip of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that due to what he called “egregious behavior,” all trade discussions with Canada are now terminated.
The controversy began after Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that an ad circulating in Canada, featuring Reagan criticizing tariffs and warning about job losses, had been noticed by Trump. Ford said earlier in the week that the ad appeared to upset the US president.
Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a negotiating tool with various countries. During his presidency, tariffs were raised to their highest levels since the 1930s, affecting products from China, Europe, and neighboring countries.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the situation by stating that Canada will not allow unfair access to its markets. He warned that if trade talks fail, Canada will defend its economic interests.
This trade dispute follows earlier US tariffs placed on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Canada responded with its own tariffs, and discussions between both sides have continued for weeks regarding the steel and aluminum sectors.
The US, Canada, and Mexico are also scheduled to review their 2020 continental free trade agreement next year, raising concerns about how this latest tension may affect future negotiations.
