Donald Trump Hikes Duties on Canadian Goods Following Reagan Ad

Trump en route aboard the presidential aircraft
Trump declared the tax increase while flying to Asia on Saturday

President Trump has declared he is raising duties on products brought in from Canadian sources after the territory of the Ontario government broadcast an anti-tariff commercial including ex-President Reagan.

In a Truth Social update on Saturday, Trump called the advertisement a "misrepresentation" and criticized Canadian leaders for not pulling it before the MLB finals.

"Owing to their major distortion of the reality, and unfriendly action, I am increasing the duty on Canadian goods by ten percent on top of what they are paying now," he wrote.

After Donald Trump on last Thursday ended trade talks with Canadian officials, the Doug Ford announced he would remove the commercial.

Ontario's Reaction

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Friday that he would pause his province's anti-import tax commercial series in the US, advising the media that he decided after talks with the Prime Minister Carney "so that trade negotiations can continue".

He added it would continue to air over the weekend, during matches for the baseball championship, which features the Blue Jays facing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Trade Background

Canada is the sole G7 country that has not secured a deal with the America since Trump started seeking to levy steep tariffs on goods from key trade partners.

The United States has already applied a 35 percent levy on each Canada's goods - though the majority are free under an existing commercial pact. It has also imposed targeted duties on Canadian products, featuring a 50 percent levy on metals and 25% on automobiles.

In his update, published while he was en route to Southeast Asia, Trump seemed to say he was including 10 percentage points to these duties.

Seventy-five percent of Canadian exported goods are sold to the United States, and the province is the location of the largest share of the nation's car production.

Reagan Commercial Details

The advert, which was paid for by the provincial government, cites former US President Reagan, a GOP member and icon of conservative values, stating tariffs "harm all Americans".

The video takes excerpts from a 1987 national radio address that focused on foreign trade.

The Foundation, which is charged with preserving the late president's legacy, had condemned the advert for using "selective" audio and video and said it distorted Reagan's 1987 speech. It further noted the Ontario authorities had not sought permission to use it.

Current Tensions

In his update on his platform on the weekend, Trump stated that the advertisement should have been pulled down before.

"Their Advertisement was to be taken down RIGHT AWAY, but they allowed it to air last night during the World Series, realizing that it was a DECEPTION," Trump stated, while en route to Malaysia.

Doug Ford had earlier pledged to air the Reagan commercial in each Republican-led region in the United States.

The two Donald Trump and Carney will be going to the ASEAN in Malaysia, but Donald Trump informed reporters joining him on Air Force One that he does not have any "desire" of conferring with his Canadian counterpart during the visit.

In his update, Donald Trump also alleged Canadian officials of trying to influence an upcoming US Supreme Court legal case which could end his entire tax system.

The legal matter, to be considered by the Supreme Court next month, will determine whether the import taxes are constitutional.

On Thursday, Donald Trump additionally condemned, stating that the advert was designed to "meddle" with "a crucial lawsuit"

MLB Finals Association

The advertisement is not the sole way that Ontario – location of the Toronto team – is using the World Series as a stage to criticize the President's tariffs.

In a clip published on last Friday, Ford and California Governor the Governor humorously agreed on stakes about which team would succeed in the championship.

The two leaders consistently bantered about duties in the clip, with Doug Ford vowing to provide the Governor a container of syrup if the LA Dodgers win.

"The duty might charge me a additional dollars at the border currently, but it'll be justified," he wrote.

In reply, Newsom asked the Premier to resume enabling American beverages to be sold in regional beverage outlets, and vowed to send "the state's top-quality vino" if the Jays succeed.

They finished their exchange together stating: "Here's to a great MLB finals, and a tariff-free friendship between the region and California."

Michael Hunt
Michael Hunt

Elara is a wellness coach and writer passionate about helping others achieve balance through mindfulness and sustainable practices.