President Trump has halted all trade talks with Canada, citing “egregious behavior” over an ad that used a 1987 clip of Ronald Reagan .
Trump posted on truth social media that the ad was “fraudulent” and “fake,” and an attempt to influence US court decisions on his tariffs.
The ad, launched by Ontario premier Doug Ford, was a protest against the 35% US tariffs on Canadian goods like steel and timber. The ad featured Reagan’s warning against protectionism.
The ad has also drawn criticism from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. They stated the “selective audio” was used without permission and “misrepresents” the former president’s full message.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio confirmed the suspension of talks, a move that escalates the trade war and jeopardizes the c$3.6 billion in daily cross-border trade.