Trump Raises Canadian Tariffs 10% After ‘Fraudulent’ Ronald Reagan Ad Airs During World Series

The Announcement

President Donald Trump announced a 10 percent tariff increase on all applicable Canadian imports, citing what he called a “fraudulent and hostile” advertising campaign that aired during the World Series. The campaign, produced by the Ontario provincial government, featured excerpts from a 1987 radio address by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Speaking from the White House, Trump declared that the United States “will not stand by while foreign governments use deceptive propaganda to interfere with America’s economic policy.” He described the ad as “a deliberate misrepresentation of President Reagan’s words,” and said it “crossed every diplomatic line of decency.”

The increase applies immediately and adds 10 percent to existing duties already imposed under U.S. trade laws. Trump did not specify which product categories would be affected, saying that details would follow after consultations with the U.S. Trade Representative.

The Ad That Sparked the Dispute

The advertisement, titled “Trade Hurts Everyone”, aired on major U.S. networks during the World Series broadcast, which featured the Toronto Blue Jays. The ad showed Reagan’s image and voice warning against “high tariffs that punish the American worker.”

Ontario’s government confirmed responsibility for funding the campaign, explaining that its purpose was to highlight “the dangers of protectionism” and the value of open markets. The ad used short audio clips from Reagan’s April 25, 1987 radio address, originally titled “Radio Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute criticized the ad’s producers, claiming they did not request permission and that the edited version “distorted” Reagan’s intent. The Foundation noted that Reagan’s 1987 speech supported balanced trade and fair reciprocity, not unilateral open borders.

White House Reaction

Trump responded within hours after the ad’s first appearance, calling it “a coordinated attempt to sway U.S. trade policy through misinformation.”

According to the Washington Post, the President’s advisers viewed the ad as part of a larger pattern of pressure from Canada amid ongoing negotiations over cross-border tariffs and auto manufacturing rules. Trump subsequently terminated all trade discussions with Ottawa and postponed a bilateral meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

White House Press Secretary Karin Jean confirmed that the President was “personally offended” by the use of Reagan’s likeness and that the new tariff decision was “a direct response to a diplomatic insult.”

Canadian Response

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the development “regrettable,” but avoided direct criticism of the U.S. administration. He stated that his government “did not authorize or coordinate” the Ontario campaign and would “seek constructive dialogue to restore stability.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad, saying it was meant “to remind Americans that tariffs hurt both sides of the border.” However, after facing criticism from both Washington and Ottawa, Ford ordered the ad campaign suspended pending review.

Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement affirming that trade relations remain a federal matter and that “no province speaks for the country on trade policy.”

Trade Background

The tariff increase comes as part of a wider reassessment of U.S.–Canada trade relations under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). While most goods are tariff-free under the pact, the President retains authority to impose duties for reasons of national interest or retaliation.

Canada is the United States’ second-largest trading partner, with annual cross-border goods exceeding $700 billion. Key exports from Canada to the U.S. include oil, lumber, aluminum, and automobiles. Analysts note that even a small tariff adjustment can have major consequences for industries integrated across both countries.

Trump has previously used tariffs to pressure trade partners — including China, Mexico, and the European Union — arguing that the measures protect American manufacturing and strengthen the domestic job market.

Reaction Across the Border

The tariff news drew mixed reactions in both countries.

• U.S. manufacturing groups largely supported the decision, saying it underscored the need to “defend American industries from unfair narratives.”

• Canadian business chambers expressed concern over potential supply-chain disruptions and inflationary effects.

• Political commentators in both nations pointed to the unusual nature of the trigger — a commercial advertisement rather than a trade infraction — as a sign of shifting diplomacy.

Social media platforms and cable networks replayed clips of the Ontario ad alongside Trump’s statements, turning the controversy into one of the most-viewed political moments of the World Series broadcast.

Ongoing Developments

As of late October 2025, no new trade negotiations have been scheduled. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office is preparing a list of Canadian imports that could be affected by the additional 10 percent duty.

The Reagan Foundation’s legal team is reportedly exploring potential action regarding unauthorized use of the former president’s likeness and speech recordings.

The Canadian Embassy in Washington has requested high-level discussions to de-escalate tensions, but the White House has not confirmed any upcoming meetings.

The situation remains fluid, with economists and industry leaders watching closely to see whether the dispute evolves into broader tariff retaliation or renewed talks between the two long-time allies.