Trump Raises Tariffs on Canada After Ontario Ad Criticizing U.S. Trade Policy

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would raise tariffs on Canada by an additional 10%, following his anger over a televised advertisement from Ontario criticizing U.S. trade policy. The decision, posted on Trump’s Truth Social account, came as he traveled aboard Air Force One to Malaysia for an East Asia trade-focused trip.

The Ontario government’s ad, which aired during Game 1 of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, features former President Ronald Reagan warning against tariffs and their potential to trigger trade wars. Trump called the ad “fraudulent,” accusing Canada of deliberately airing it despite his demand for its removal. He claimed the move was a “hostile act” and cited it as the reason for increasing the tariff rate.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that after discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario would pause the U.S. ad campaign on Monday to allow trade negotiations to continue. However, Trump confirmed he has no plans to meet with Carney during the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia.

It remains unclear which Canadian goods will be affected by the new tariffs. Most Canadian exports are currently exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed during Trump’s first term. Still, his administration recently imposed a 35% tariff on non-USMCA goods and a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports worldwide.

Carney reiterated Canada’s willingness to resume trade discussions despite rising tensions. White House adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged Trump’s frustration, noting the lack of progress in talks. The controversial ad used edited excerpts of Reagan’s speech on tariffs, omitting key context about his own administration’s selective trade measures.