“CANADA FRAUDED AND WAS CAUGHT!!! They fraudulently bought big ads saying Ronald Reagan didn't like tariffs when in fact he LOVED TARGETS FOR OUR COUNTRY AND ITS NATIONAL SECURITY.” – Trump wrote on Truth Social in this morning's and the next message on this topic. “Canada is attempting to illegally influence the United States Supreme Court in one of the most important cases in our country's history.” – he added.
The ad that sparked controversy uses an excerpt from Reagan's 1987 speech, in which the former president warned against the negative effects of high tariffs. Reagan said they would lead to trade wars, price increases and company closures, which could result in job losses. The spot cost $75 million. and was broadcast on American television. The Ronald Reagan Foundation accused its creators of lies, arguing that it did not reflect Reagan's actual position on tariffs.
In response to the ad, Trump announced the severance of trade negotiations with Canada. In subsequent statements, he emphasized that tariffs are crucial to US national security. In the past, the president has indicated that while he appreciates Reagan, he disagreed with his approach to free trade.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to Trump's accusations by emphasizing that Canada and the U.S. are “friends, neighbors and allies,” and Reagan understood that cooperation makes both countries stronger.
The dispute concerns a hearing scheduled for November 5 before the US Supreme Court. The court will hear an appeal from lower court rulings that found Trump exceeded his authority by imposing most of the tariffs. The president invokes the IEEPA Act, which allows for the use of economic measures in response to threats to national security. Trump argues that persistent trade deficits with many countries, including Canada, pose such a threat.
Since the beginning of his second term, which began in January, Trump imposed 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. Although some products are exempt from tax under the USMCA agreement, the president imposed high tariffs on key Canadian exports, such as steel (50%), aluminum (50%), and cars and car parts (25%). Trump has consistently emphasized that tariffs are an essential tool in protecting American national security and a key element of his economic policy.
