Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faced backlash after an anti-tariff advertisement featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan was criticized by Donald Trump, who claimed the commercial misrepresented history. The ad, produced by Ontario’s Conservative-led government rather than Carney’s Liberal Party, aimed to influence trade negotiations but drew sharp condemnation from Trump.
Trump described Carney’s apology as “very nice” during a press conference aboard Air Force One, stating the Canadian leader acknowledged the ad was “a false commercial.” However, Trump disputed its message, asserting Reagan “loved tariffs,” despite the ad featuring Reagan warning against trade barriers. The commercial highlighted Reagan’s criticism of protectionist policies, with the former president declaring, “High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries… and millions of people lose their jobs.”
The controversy underscored a clash over historical interpretation, as Trump argued the ad distorted Reagan’s legacy. While Carney extended a personal apology, trade discussions remained stalled, reflecting the complexities of diplomatic rhetoric. The incident also highlighted internal divisions within Canada, as the ad originated from Ontario’s provincial government rather than federal leadership.
Trump emphasized his belief that Reagan’s approach to tariffs was tactical and measured, contrasting it with his own “unapologetically aggressive” policies. Yet the fallout demonstrated how historical figures’ words can be weaponized in modern political disputes, leaving unresolved tensions between nations.
