Trump halts trade talks with Canada over Ontario’s anti-tariff ads

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is ending trade negotiations with Canada, citing anger over an Ontario-funded television campaign opposing his tariff policies. The announcement, made on social media Thursday, declared that “all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated” due to what he called “egregious behavior.”

The decision follows a high-profile advertising campaign paid for by the Ontario government, reportedly costing about $75 million. The ads, broadcast across major U.S. networks, feature archival audio and video of former president Ronald Reagan warning against the dangers of tariffs in 1987.

The move adds new uncertainty to cross-border trade relations as the United States prepares for a Supreme Court hearing on the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariff regime. Canadian officials have not yet responded publicly to the president’s statement.

Trade analysts say the halt could affect ongoing efforts to stabilize supply chains between the two countries, which remain closely linked through manufacturing and energy exports. The development also places added pressure on federal and provincial leaders in Canada to defend economic interests amid renewed U.S. protectionist policies.