President Donald Trump announced on October 25, 2025, that the United States would impose a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian imports. This decision follows a dispute over a television advertisement aired by Ontario's provincial government, which featured excerpts from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan. The ad, which aired during the World Series, warned against the dangers of tariffs and trade wars. Trump criticized the ad as a "hostile act" and a "serious misrepresentation of the facts," accusing Canada of attempting to influence U.S. domestic policy.

The Reagan Presidential Foundation also condemned the ad, stating that it misrepresented Reagan's views on trade. While Reagan did express caution about the potential negative effects of tariffs, he also implemented them during his presidency, such as on Japanese semiconductors and motorcycles.

In response to the ad, Trump terminated ongoing trade negotiations with Canada and announced the additional tariffs, which are set to take effect immediately. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed openness to resuming talks, but no official response from the U.S. government has been issued.

This escalation in trade tensions comes amid broader disputes between the U.S. and Canada over tariffs. Since February 2025, the U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on most Canadian imports, with exceptions for oil and energy products, which are taxed at 10%. In retaliation, Canada has implemented its own tariffs on U.S. goods, leading to a trade war between the two nations.

The latest tariff increase is expected to further strain U.S.-Canada relations and could have significant economic implications for both countries. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.

Sources: Reuters, AP News,Washington Post, New York Post