October 24, 2025
Trump ends Canada trade talks over Ontario anti-tariff ad featuring Reagan
Trump halts trade talks with Canada after Ontario uses Ronald Reagan's voice in anti-tariff advertisement
October 24, 2025
Trump halts trade talks with Canada after Ontario uses Ronald Reagan's voice in anti-tariff advertisement
On Oct. 24, 2025, President Trump said he was terminating trade talks with Canada after an Ontario-funded anti-tariff ad used a clip of Ronald Reagan. Trump posted on Truth Social calling the ad "fake" and later told reporters aboard Air Force One he found it "dishonest" and said "we have a deal right now that's very good for us."
The Reagan Presidential Foundation said the ad misrepresents a 1987 Reagan radio address.
The Ontario-funded ad was later paused amid backlash. Trump announced a 10% tariff increase on Canadian goods the next day, Oct. 25, 2025, with reports saying it would apply broadly to Canadian imports.
President Trump announced on Oct. 24, 2025, that he was terminating trade talks with Canada in response to a provincial advertisement. He said the spot, run by Ontario's government, criticized his tariff policy. The next day he announced an additional 10% tariff hike on Canadian goods.
The Ontario ad used edited clips of Ronald Reagan warning about the economic harms of tariffs. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation said the spot misrepresented Reagan and said it was reviewing legal options. Ontario Premier Doug Ford initially promoted the ad and then agreed to pause its run days later.
Canada's federal trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, said on Oct. 25 that Canada will continue to pursue constructive discussions with the United States. He emphasized that international trade talks are the federal government's responsibility and said Ottawa stands ready to engage directly. Canadian officials urged diplomacy despite the new threats.
The new tariff hike adds to tariffs the president imposed earlier in 2025. Canadian officials and business groups warned the escalation could disrupt integrated supply chains and raise costs for consumers. The dispute has sharply increased tensions between the United States and a major North American trading partner.
President of the United States
Premier of Ontario
Former U.S. president (archival footage)
Nonprofit steward of Reagan materials
Prime Minister of Canada
Contact House Ways & Means to challenge Section 232 tariff authority
File public comments opposing tariffs via USTR