Citing “egregious behavior,” president Donald Trump has announced the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. The trigger for this drastic move was a television ad from Ontario that criticized US tariffs.
The ad featured archival audio of president Ronald Reagan from 1987, where he states that “trade barriers hurt every American worker.” Trump blasted the ad on social media, calling it “fraudulent” and a “fake” attempt to meddle in US legal matters.
The US tariffs have been a major point of contention. Originally set at 25% on key Canadian imports, Trump hiked them to 35% in August. Ontario premier Doug Ford, who launched the ad, has been a vocal opponent, as his province bears the brunt of the impact.
Secretary of state Marco Rubio confirmed the suspension of talks with Ottawa. This escalates tensions just as the two nations were preparing for a review of the us-mexico-Canada agreement (usmca), a deal Trump has recently soured on.
The ad has also drawn ire from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, which stated Ontario did not seek permission and used “selective audio” to misrepresent Reagan’s position. The foundation is now exploring legal action.
‘Egregious behavior’: Trump terminates Canada talks
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