Ford to pull Ronald Reagan ad after Trump backlash

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is going to pull a controversial anti-tariff ad featuring former president Ronald Reagan after some major backlash.

The ad features bits and pieces of a 1987 speech from Reagan, where he says he imposed tariffs on Japan for a good reason, but they are dangerous for the economy.

“Throughout the world, there is a growing realization that the way to prosperity for all nations is rejecting protectionist legislation and promoting fair and free competition,” Reagan said in the 1978 speech.

In a fury, President Donald Trump ceased negotiations between our countries, claiming Canada ‘cheated’.

In a statement on social media Friday afternoon, Ford said he will let the ad air over the weekend during the World Series, but take it off the airwaves, Monday.

“Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on those workers and businesses,” said Ford.

He said they have achieved that goal and reached audiences in America at the “highest levels”.

“The people elected our government to protect Ontario – our workers, businesses, families and communities. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

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Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the president’s outrage on the tarmac on the way to Asia, Friday morning.

“Look, for months we have stressed the importance of distinguishing things we can control and things we can’t control. The trade policy of the United States,” said Carney.

He stressed that Canada would continue negotiations when the U.S. is ready.

“What we can control absolutely is how we build here at home and that’s the focus of Budget 2025 generational investment here in Canada,” added Carney.

Meantime, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said the government used “selective audio and video” from the speech without permission “to use and edit the remarks.” They add that they are looking at their legal options in the matter.