Trump Critiques Canadian Ad Featuring Reagan
President Trump voiced strong criticisms of Canada on Friday, labeling an anti-tariff advertisement that includes clips of former President Ronald Reagan’s speech as “crooked” and “disingenuous.”
He raised the possibility that the video might have been created using artificial intelligence. “Canada lied,” he remarked to reporters before leaving for a trip to Asia. “They fabricated a false statement from President Reagan. Reagan was a big supporter of tariffs when necessary. We need tariffs for national security, but they’ve changed their position because tariffs are hurting them while benefiting us.”
Trump referenced the response from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, which stated that the Ontario ad misrepresented Reagan’s stance. The foundation mentioned possible legal actions regarding the audio’s usage during a speech about tariffs on Japan in April 1987.
This controversy led Trump to cancel trade negotiations with Canada on Thursday in reaction to the advertisement.
“President Reagan supported tariffs when needed,” he reiterated. “It made us a prosperous nation, although it was detrimental when used against us. We’ve managed it effectively.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that they would air an edited video of Reagan’s speech throughout the MLB World Series weekend. Upon learning of this, Trump described it as a “fraud” and “dirty play.” He added confidently, “I can play dirtier than them.”
After discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ford announced on Monday that the advertisement would be withdrawn, allowing trade talks to proceed.
While Trump expressed contentment with the existing trade agreement with Canada, he was uncertain about future discussions with Carney. “We have a deal that works well for us,” he said while aboard Air Force One. “Any new deal would likely benefit them more than what they currently have, so I’m puzzled by their actions.” He concluded, “I think it’s better to keep things as they are; that would be great for us.”
The Associated Press reported that Ford aimed to reach “the highest-level audiences in the United States,” emphasizing a desire to spark conversation about the economic future for Americans and the implications of tariffs on workers and businesses.
The ad premiered while the Toronto Blue Jays were hosting two home games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, airing during Game 1, where the Blue Jays were ahead 11-4.
Trump accused the Ontario government of attempting to sway an upcoming Supreme Court decision related to his extensive tariff policies, noting that earlier this year, he raised import taxes on Canada to 35%.
