Trump Halts Trade Talks with Canada Over 'Disgraceful' Ad Featuring Reagan's Voice

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the cessation of all trade negotiations with Canada, citing a 'disgraceful' advertisement involving former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. 'The Ronald Reagan Foundation just announced that Canada fraudulently used a fake ad in which Ronald Reagan speaks negatively about tariffs,' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The White House leader emphasized that tariffs are 'very important' for the national security and economy of the United States. He labeled Ottawa’s actions and the advertisement as 'disgraceful.'

The ad features an audio clip of Reagan’s speech from 1987 concerning tariffs. Washington suspended trade negotiations with Ottawa after Canadian officials paid for the ad critical of tariffs.

Reagan passed away in the summer of 2004 at the age of 92. He served as U.S. President from 1981 to 1989. This summer, Trump had raised tariffs on Canada from 25% to 35%, explaining that the increase stemmed from the smuggling of fentanyl-type drugs and retaliatory measures taken by Ottawa. The decision did not apply to goods covered under the USMCA trade agreement.

In June, Trump had already halted negotiations with Canada regarding tariffs due to a new tax imposed by Canada on American tech companies such as Amazon, Google, Uber, and Airbnb. The tax was set at a rate of 3% on profits. Ultimately, however, that decision was reversed.