Tariffs Tangle: Reagan's Legacy Sparks New US-Canada Trade Tensions

A social media post from Ontario Premier Doug Ford showcasing Ronald Reagan's opposition to tariffs has reignited trade tensions with the US. President Trump accused Canada of misrepresenting Reagan's stance. Canadian PM Mark Carney aims to boost exports beyond the US amidst growing tariff threats.

In a provocative move, Ontario Premier Doug Ford turned to social media, sharing Ronald Reagan's anti-tariff stance hours after President Donald Trump severed trade negotiations with Canada over an ad controversy. Ford's post emphasized the enduring partnership between Canada and the US, citing Reagan's belief in mutual strength.

Trump, reacting swiftly, condemned the Ontario advertisement as fraudulent and escalated the dispute by alleging Canadian interference in upcoming US Supreme Court decisions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by pledging to expand trade with nations beyond the United States, citing concerns over Trump's tariff strategy.

The Ontario government invested millions in promoting the ad across US networks, which the Reagan Foundation claims misrepresented a 1987 speech. Meanwhile, Canadian officials, unfazed, continue striving for lower tariffs and appeal to the broader principles espoused by Reagan himself.

(With inputs from agencies.)