Prime Minister Mark Carney greeted Ontario Premier Doug Ford with a handshake during their visit to the Darlington Energy Complex in Courtice, Ontario, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The Canadian Press
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Friday that his government will suspend its anti-tariff advertising campaign featuring the late U.S. president Ronald Reagan. The decision comes only hours after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada and called the ads “fake.”
Ford said he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney before making the decision. The province will pause the campaign starting Monday. “Our intention was always to start a conversation about tariffs and their impact on workers and businesses,” Ford said. “We’ve reached our goal by getting the attention of U.S. audiences at the highest levels.”
Ford added that the commercials will continue running through the weekend and will air during the first two World Series games.
Trump Calls Ad ‘Fake’
Trump reacted strongly to the ad, posting on his Truth Social account late Thursday that the Reagan Foundation accused Canada of “fraudulently” using the former president’s voice. He claimed Reagan’s comments were altered to make him appear anti-tariff.
“TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.,” Trump wrote. “ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”
The Reagan Foundation also released a statement on X, saying Ontario officials did not seek or receive permission to use or edit Reagan’s 1987 radio remarks on trade. However, Reagan’s words in the ad were accurate. In the 1987 address, he said high tariffs lead to “fierce trade wars” and job losses.
Canada Responds to Trump’s Move
Prime Minister Carney said Canada will remain ready to resume talks once the U.S. is prepared. Speaking to reporters before heading to Asia for trade summits, Carney emphasized that negotiations on steel, aluminum, and energy had made progress. “We stand ready to build on that progress when the Americans are ready,” he said.
Earlier this week, Carney said a sector-based deal might still be possible, depending on future discussions.
Image: CTV News
Behind the Scenes: U.S. Reaction
A senior U.S. official told reporters that Trump’s frustration goes beyond the ad. The source said the White House has long had a “visceral distaste” for Ford and that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick once called him a “lightweight.”
The official added that Trump’s team is also concerned about an upcoming Supreme Court case on the legality of U.S. tariffs.
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump’s decision reflects frustration with Canada’s approach. “Ontario’s taxpayer-funded ad campaign is the latest example of how Canadian officials would rather play games than engage seriously,” he said.
Ongoing Tensions
This is not the first time Trump has halted talks through social media. In June, he suspended negotiations over Canada’s digital services tax.
Despite the setback, Ford posted Reagan’s full 1987 address on social media Friday morning, writing, “Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours, and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.”
