The latest dispute between the United States and Canada has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ottawa of “cheating” and attempting to “illegally influence” the U.S. Supreme Court through what he described as a “fraudulent” political advertisement featuring late President Ronald Reagan. The controversy has added a new layer of tension to already strained trade relations between the two countries, with Trump vowing to terminate all trade negotiations in response.
The uproar began after a Canadian political advertisement surfaced online, reportedly produced by Ontario’s provincial government, that used a manipulated version of Ronald Reagan’s 1987 radio address. In the ad, Reagan was heard criticising tariffs and warning they could lead to trade wars and economic decline. Trump, who has long championed tariffs as a tool to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and national security, called the ad “fraudulent” and accused Canada of distorting Reagan’s message to attack his trade policies.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Canada cheated and got caught!!!” He claimed the ad was part of an attempt to sway public opinion and “illegally influence” an upcoming Supreme Court case on the legality of his global tariff policies, which is scheduled for a hearing on November 5. He further alleged that the ad was meant to damage his administration’s stance on tariffs, which he considers vital to protecting American industry from unfair foreign competition.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation quickly condemned the ad, stating that it used “selective audio and video” and that no permission had been granted for Reagan’s words or image to be used in this context. “The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address... and the Government of Ontario did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks,” the foundation’s statement read. The foundation’s criticism lent credibility to Trump’s claim that the advertisement was misleading and politically motivated.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, when asked about the controversy, acknowledged that the ad had caught Trump’s attention but dismissed the backlash lightly. “I heard that the president heard our ad. I’m sure he wasn’t too happy,” Ford said, without confirming whether his administration had authorised the specific edit. The comment, while casual, hinted at the deepening cross-border political friction triggered by the issue.
Trump’s angry response reflects the broader tension in U.S.–Canada relations since his return to the White House earlier this year. His administration has reinstated tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, citing national security grounds. Canada retaliated with its own set of tariffs on American goods, leading to renewed trade friction reminiscent of Trump’s first term. Trump has repeatedly argued that tariffs are essential for safeguarding American jobs and industries, even calling tariffs “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.”
The controversy over the Reagan ad also highlights the symbolic importance of Reagan’s legacy in American politics. Reagan is widely regarded as a conservative icon, and his views on free trade and economic policy have been invoked by both sides of the political spectrum. The selective use of his words in the ad has sparked debate over political ethics and the limits of using historical figures in modern partisan messaging.
As tensions rise, Washington has yet to issue any formal diplomatic protest, but Trump’s public declaration that “all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated” suggests that relations could deteriorate further. The incident underscores how domestic politics, digital media, and international diplomacy increasingly intersect — with a single manipulated advertisement capable of sparking a high-level dispute between two close allies.
