Trump Raises Canada Tariffs Amid Controversial Ad Dispute

President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with Canada by increasing tariffs by 10% in response to an Ontario government advertisement that quoted former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. Despite Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's apology, Trump remained dissatisfied, labeling the ad misleading and halting trade negotiations. The controversy centers on Trump's claim that Reagan "loved tariffs," which contradicts Reagan's documented advocacy for free trade and warnings against the economic harms of tariffs and trade barriers. The Reagan Foundation criticized the Ontario ad for misrepresenting Reagan's 1987 radio address, which emphasized that tariffs cause retaliation and harm American workers and consumers. Trump's use of tariffs as a retaliatory tool, often unrelated to direct trade issues, marks a departure from traditional trade policy and has created uncertainty for U.S. trading partners. This situation underscores the broader conflict between Trump's tariff-centric trade approach and Reagan's legacy of promoting free trade and reduced barriers.