US Treasury Secretary Labels Canadian Anti-Tariff Reagan Ad Election Interference Amid Trade Tensions

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent compared a $75 million Canadian ad campaign led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, which used former President Ronald Reagan's words to criticize President Trump's tariff policies, to "election interference" and foreign propaganda aimed at Americans. The ad, airing on U.S. networks during events like the World Series, frustrated President Trump, who halted trade negotiations with Canada and threatened an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports. Trump claimed the ad misrepresented Reagan's remarks by altering their order, although the Ontario Premier and local officials defended the campaign as truthful and effective. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney apologized to Trump for the ad, but the president maintained that trade talks would not resume. The controversy highlights tensions caused by Trump's tariff policies, which have strained relationships with allies like Canada and the EU, rattled markets, and provoked economic uncertainty. The debate also underscores differing views on foreign influence and the autonomy of provincial governments like Ontario in trade matters.