Trump Ends Trade Negotiations with Canada in Response to 'Fraudulent' Announcement Criticizing His Tariff Policies

U.S. President Donald Trump announced via the "Truth Social" platform the termination of all ongoing trade talks with Canada, in a surprising move that came in response to what he described as a "fraudulent announcement" broadcast by the Premier of Ontario, Canada.

Trump wrote in his post: "Given their blatant behavior, all trade negotiations with Canada have been terminated." The reason for this decision stems from a political announcement aired by Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, which included archival footage of late U.S. President Ronald Reagan criticizing the imposition of tariffs, stating that they lead to job losses and ignite trade wars.

In response to the American reaction, Ford commented: "I heard the president saw our ad... and I'm sure he wasn't very happy."

This escalation comes as part of Trump's known policy of using tariffs as a pressure tool in economic negotiations, which has previously led to U.S. tariffs reaching their highest levels since the 1930s.

For his part, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated last Thursday that "Canada will not allow the United States unfair access to its markets if negotiations on bilateral trade agreements fail."

Earlier this year, Trump imposed tariffs on imports of Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, a decision that received a similar response from Ottawa. Negotiations had been ongoing for weeks to reach a deal regarding the steel and aluminum sectors, negotiations that Trump is now announcing he is ending.

It is worth noting that the United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to review the continental free trade agreement (CUSMA) signed in 2020 next year, a move that will add a new layer of complexity to the trade landscape in the region.