Trump Blasts Canadian Ad as 'Disgusting', Scraps Tariff Talks"

Washington/Ottawa (The Uttam Hindu): Relations between the US and Canada have once again become strained. President Donald Trump, angered by a Canadian advertisement, has canceled all trade talks with Canada with immediate effect. Trump accused Canada of airing a "fraudulent" advertisement that featured former US President Ronald Reagan speaking out against tariffs.

"All trade negotiations with Canada are terminated based on their poor behavior," President Trump wrote on his Truthout social platform.

What was in the ad that enraged Trump?

The ad, funded by the Canadian government of Ontario, was launched by Premier Doug Ford on October 16. It ran on American television and digital platforms to mobilize public opinion against Trump's proposed tariffs.

The ad used a clip from an actual 1988 speech by President Ronald Reagan, in which Reagan criticizes protectionism. In the ad, Reagan says tariffs weaken the American economy, take away jobs, and burden consumers.

The Canadian ad claimed that Trump's 25-35% tariffs amounted to "economic suicide" that would severely damage Canada-US trade.

Trump wrote in his post, "The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just reported that Canada has committed fraud in an advertisement. This fake advertisement features former President Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about tariffs. This ad cost $75 million. They did this so they could interfere with the Supreme Court's decision." Trump further stated that tariffs are essential for national security and the economy. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also issued a statement saying that the advertisement is "misleading" and the foundation opposes it.

The US government's decision has escalated trade tensions between the two neighboring countries. It is also surprising because just days ago, Trump hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House.

At the time, both sides expressed optimism, and Trump and Carney were seen laughingly discussing the possibility of improving relations. Carney, in an attempt to appease Trump, showered him with praise and credited him with ending the India-Pakistan war in May. Carney then departed Washington, saying he would be "happy to return."

But things have changed. According to the Toronto Star, Prime Minister Carney acknowledged on Thursday that a comprehensive trade deal with the Trump administration is now "out of reach."