1:11(FILES) U.S. President Donald Trump confers with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney inside the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 7, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on October 23, 2025, that he was immediately ceasing all commerce discussions with Canada, alleging it had misrepresented former president Ronald Reagan in a promotional effort opposing levies. “In light of their flagrant conduct, ALL TRADE DISCUSSIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREWITH TERMINATED,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
A leading Ontario official pledged to discontinue a disparaging television commercial concerning duties on Friday, mere hours following President Donald Trump’s suspension of trade talks with Canada, referencing the advertisement.
"Ontario will put its U.S. advertising campaign on hold starting Monday to facilitate the resumption of trade negotiations," Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced, mentioning that the commercial would be broadcast throughout the weekend during the Major League Baseball World Series.
"The electorate entrusted our government with safeguarding Ontario—our workforce, enterprises, families, and localities. That's precisely what I'm engaged in," Ford stated.
On Friday morning, Trump asserted, absent proof, that the ad was intended to sway the verdict of a U.S. Supreme Court matter concerning the policy, which is scheduled to be reviewed by justices the following month.
"DUTIES ARE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A. Given their outrageous behavior, ALL TRADE DISCUSSIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED," Trump posted on his social media account.
"Canada is attempting to unlawfully influence the United States Supreme Court in one of the most consequential judgments in our Country's history," Trump remarked on Friday morning.
Trump did not specify which statute Canada had allegedly contravened.
The promotional effort under scrutiny was initiated earlier in the month by the Canadian province of Ontario. The commercial incorporates audio excerpts from a 1987 speech by then-President Ronald Reagan that occurred when he levied certain tariffs on Japanese goods but cautioned against the enduring financial perils of elevated duties and the danger of a trade conflict.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged a spirit of collaboration between the two nations in a post on X early Friday.
"Canada and the United States are companions, neighbors, and allies. President Ronald Reagan recognized that we achieve greater strength collectively. May God bless Canada and may God bless the United States," Ford expressed.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney listens as Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks during a press conference in front of a mock reactor at the Darlington Energy Complex in Courtice, Ontario, Canada, October 23, 2025.Carlos Osorio/Reuters
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute stated in a statement on social media Thursday night that the Canadian advertising campaign employed "selective audio and video" of Reagan and "distorts" what he articulated in the address.
Referring to the Canadian promotional effort, Trump conveyed, "They undertook this solely to disrupt the determination of the U.S. Supreme Court, along with other courts."
The Supreme Court is slated to resolve this term whether Trump's extensive worldwide reciprocal duties constitute an unlawful application of emergency authority granted by Congress — and if tens of billions of dollars amassed thus far must be reimbursed.
Earlier this month, during a White House gathering with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump indicated optimism regarding a prospective U.S.-Canada commerce accord, remarking that the two sides had "advanced significantly" in negotiations.
In July, Trump implemented a 35% tariff on the majority of goods and raw materials originating from Canada.
ABC News' Brian Hartman played a part in this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
