Ontario decided to remove its anti-tariff advertisement that used former US President Ronald Reagan’s voice. The move came after US President Donald Trump ended trade talks with Canada.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had “terminated” all negotiations with Canada. He called the ad “fake” and said it misrepresented Reagan’s message.

Ford Pauses Campaign After Talk With Carney

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he paused the ad after speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He wanted to reduce tension with Washington.

“In speaking with Prime Minister Carney, Ontario will pause its US advertising campaign effective Monday so that trade talks can resume,” Ford wrote on X.

However, Ford said the ad would still run during the first two games of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Reagan’s 1987 Speech Featured in Ad

The ad used parts of Reagan’s 1987 radio address. In that speech, Reagan warned that “high tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars.”

The quote appears on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s website.

Reagan Foundation Objects

The Ronald Reagan Foundation said Ontario used “selective audio and video.” It added that the foundation was “reviewing its legal options.”

Trump did not respond immediately to Ontario’s decision. But White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Trump had shown “extreme displeasure” and would speak later.

A senior US official told AFP that Trump might meet Carney at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea on Wednesday. “They will likely see each other,” the official said.

Trump Accuses Canada of Cheating

Trump first criticized the ad on Thursday night. He claimed it tried to “interfere with the decision of the US Supreme Court,” which is reviewing his global tariffs.

“CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!” he wrote in another post on Friday.

Carney Calls for Calm

Prime Minister Mark Carney urged calm. He said Canada was ready to resume trade progress “when the Americans are ready.”

He added, “Canada has to focus on what we can control, and realize what we cannot control.” Carney made the comment before leaving for Asia.

The dispute came just weeks after Carney met Trump at the White House. During that meeting, Trump called Carney a “world-class leader” and said he would “walk away very happy” from their talks.

Tariffs Still Cause Tension

Trump’s tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars have hurt Canadian industries. They caused job losses and financial pressure. The two countries still follow the USMCA trade deal, which keeps about 85 percent of trade tariff-free.

But Carney recently warned that US tariffs are at “levels last seen during the Great Depression.” He said, “Our economic strategy needs to change dramatically.” He added that the shift “will take some sacrifices and some time.”

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Canada had been “very difficult to negotiate with.” He added that “frustration has built up over time” for the president.