WASHINGTON, USA: In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Washington and Ottawa, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate termination of all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing the Canadian government of interfering in American affairs through what he termed a “fraudulent and manipulative” advertisement.
The controversial ad, reportedly funded by the Ontario government, featured altered clips of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs — a move that sparked outrage in Washington. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation swiftly condemned the advertisement, stating it had been released without authorization and misrepresented Reagan’s original message.
Taking to his social media platform, Trump wrote: “Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.” He claimed the ad aimed to sway public and judicial opinion ahead of a key Supreme Court hearing on his global tariff authority.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his country’s position, saying Ottawa “will always stand firm for Canada’s interests,” while reiterating that any future trade relationship must be “fair and mutually respectful.”
The rift marks yet another low point in U.S.-Canada trade relations, already strained by tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. Analysts warn the fallout could derail the upcoming review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and disrupt regional trade flows.
As diplomatic channels scramble for damage control, observers note that this latest spat reflects a deeper political divide — one that could reshape North America’s trade landscape in the months to come.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.