Trump Halts Trade Talks Over Ontario Reagan Ad

President Donald Trump announced he was terminating all trade negotiations with Canada after an Ontario-funded anti-tariff TV commercial built from excerpts of Ronald Reagan’s 1987 radio address aired in U.S. markets; Trump called the ad “fake” and accused Canada of trying to influence an upcoming U.S. court case. Ontario Premier Doug Ford initially defended the campaign but then said he would pause U.S. advertising after speaking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while planning to run spots during the first two World Series games. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation said the ad misrepresents Reagan’s remarks, was produced without permission and is reviewing legal options; reporters said the spot spliced excerpts to craft an anti-tariff message. The dispute has escalated amid steep U.S. tariffs on many Canadian goods — including reports of a broadly applied 35% tariff and higher levies on steel and aluminum — and trade experts warned a halt to negotiations and sustained duties could raise prices on appliances, cars and auto parts. Canada’s government said it is ready to resume talks when Washington is willing, underscoring rising volatility in bilateral trade relations.