President Donald Trump has called off trade talks with Canada due to an Ontario government ad that incorporates excerpts from a speech by former U.S. president Ronald Reagan from 1987.
The advertisement features highlights of Reagan’s speech, and it has sparked a reaction from President Trump.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s administration spent approximately $75 million to broadcast this advertisement, which includes segments from Ronald Reagan’s speech, on U.S. television networks — a move that has irked President Donald Trump.
Details of Ontario’s ad:
“When someone suggests imposing tariffs on foreign imports, it may seem like a patriotic act to safeguard American products and jobs. While this approach may yield short-term benefits, in the long run, such trade barriers negatively impact every American worker and consumer. High tariffs inevitably provoke retaliation from foreign nations, leading to intense trade conflicts. Consequently, markets dwindle, businesses collapse, industries shut down, and millions lose their jobs.
Globally, there is a growing consensus that rejecting protectionist measures and fostering equitable and open competition is the key to prosperity for all nations. The well-being of America’s workforce and economic progress is at stake,” the ad states.
Excerpt from Reagan’s 1987 speech:
“My fellow Americans:
Prime Minister Nakasone of Japan will visit the White House next week. This visit is significant as we will address our robust relations with Japan, alongside recent trade disputes. Last week, I imposed new tariffs on select Japanese products due to their non-compliance with our trade agreement on semiconductors. While I am reluctant to enforce trade barriers, the long-term impact of such measures on American workers and consumers is detrimental. Our commitment to free trade is intertwined with fair trade principles.
Although imposing tariffs on Japan was a specific response to unfair trade practices, it was not intended to initiate a trade war. We seek to resolve trade issues cooperatively and lift restrictions promptly for mutual prosperity,” Reagan emphasized.
“Historically, there is a sound basis for advocating free and fair competition over protectionist policies. The repercussions of high tariffs during the Great Depression were severe, hindering economic recovery and exacerbating market instabilities,” he continued.
Reagan highlighted the dangers of