Doug Ford's NBC Interview
"Reagan's Actual Statement... Not AI Manipulation"
An Angry Trump: "Not Meeting the Canadian Prime Minister"
"I am certain that former U.S. President Ronald Reagan would be turning over in his grave if he saw the trade war started by President Donald Trump."
Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, who recently ran an 'anti-Trump' TV ad that contributed to the deterioration of U.S.-Canada relations, made another explosive statement during an appearance on NBC News on the 27th (local time).
He admitted that the ad had prompted President Trump to threaten an additional 10% tariff on Canadian products over the weekend, but said, "I have no regrets about airing the ad at all."
Regarding President Trump's claim that Canada and Ontario distorted former President Reagan's speech, Ford countered, "That is Reagan's actual statement," adding, "We did not alter it, nor was it created by artificial intelligence (AI). Those are Reagan's exact words."
He went on to say, "There is absolutely no reason for this," and added, "If everyone works together, we can be stronger, wealthier, and more prosperous."
Previously, starting on the 23rd, Ontario aired an ad using a speech by former President Reagan from April 1987, in which he explained the background for imposing tariffs on Japan. President Trump regarded this as a direct challenge to his own trade policy.
Before embarking on his Asia tour, which includes the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, President Trump stated, "I will not meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada," and "I will completely suspend trade with Canada." He also announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods.
The majority of Canadian exports are subject to zero tariffs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, Canadian products not covered by the agreement face a 35% tariff (10% for energy products), while the steel and aluminum sectors are subject to a 50% tariff.
Ford's interview took place as President Trump reaffirmed his stance on Canada the previous day. On Air Force One en route to Japan, President Trump said, "Canada has deceived us for a long time. We will not allow that any longer," and added, "I do not want to meet the Canadian Prime Minister for a while." He did not specify when the additional 10% tariff would take effect, saying only, "We will let them know."
Canada is now isolated due to deteriorating relations with both the United States and China. Since August, Canada has engaged in retaliatory tariffs with China and aligned itself with the U.S. policy of countering China. However, this latest development has strained its relationship with the United States as well. Since taking office, Prime Minister Carney has pursued a conciliatory approach, withdrawing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. and, in June, reversing plans to impose a Digital Services Tax (DST) on major U.S. tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Meta.
In a briefing the previous day, Prime Minister Carney stated, "I have not been in contact with President Trump since trade negotiations were suspended last week," and reiterated his willingness to resolve the situation by saying, "Canada is ready to talk whenever the United States is prepared."
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