Trump halts all trade talks with Canada over “fake” Reagan ad

US President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada, accusing Canadian authorities of using “fake” advertising.

Trump made the declaration in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

He claimed that a $75 million advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan had been fraudulently used to influence judicial decisions.

“The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs,” Trump wrote.

“They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts. TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”

Earlier on October 23, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation responded to the advertisement, asserting that it “misrepresents” Reagan’s presidential radio address from April 25, 1987, which centred on free and fair trade.

The foundation added that the Government of Ontario “did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks” and is currently examining its legal options.

“We encourage you to watch President Reagan’s unedited video on our YouTube channel.”

The offices of Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc declined to comment but indicated they would likely provide further statements on October 24.

By Aghakazim Guliyev