Ontario’s Ford invokes Reagan in attack on Donald Trump’s tariffs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford likened President Donald Trump's trade policies to those of Ronald Reagan, who would be disgusted by the current situation, according to a statement made on Monday. Ford threatened to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States if the Canada-US trade dispute escalates further. Trump has underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain, said Ford, adding that the Canadian government is "at a fever pitch" and ready for an "economic war."

Ford claimed Trump has declared war on Canada, a close ally, and cited Reagan's opposition to tariffs, whom he believed would be "throwing up on him" if he knew about the current situation. The dispute escalated after Prime Minister Mark Carney walked away from trade negotiations with the Trump administration, citing Washington's high demands for tariff relief.

The United States imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, while Canada retaliated with dollar-for-dollar measures effective September 8. Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian automobiles, auto parts, and steel starting next year, citing Canada's "ridiculously high tariffs" on American farmers.

Ford warned that Ontario could raise electricity prices or cut off power to the United States if Trump continues targeting Canadian industries like oil, potash, and critical minerals. Ford accused Trump of seeking to hollow out Canadian industries and bring them down to the US, particularly in the auto sector, which is crucial to Ontario's economy and the country's vehicle manufacturing industry.