Trump Ends Trade Talks After Ontario Ad

A Canada–U.S. agreement on steel, aluminum and energy that negotiators had been close to finalizing — possibly including tariff‑rate quotas and expected to be signed at the APEC summit — was disrupted after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social he was terminating “all trade negotiations” with Canada following an Ontario $75 million U.S. ad that used edited audio of Ronald Reagan. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation said the advert misrepresents Reagan’s 1987 remarks and is reviewing legal options, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the campaign. Canada said it has been pursuing conciliatory talks and stands ready to resume negotiations when the U.S. is ready, and Ottawa is preparing a “Buy Canadian” procurement priority in its upcoming budget. Negotiators had reportedly excluded critical minerals and were unwilling to make comparable concessions on automobiles or softwood lumber; the U.S. has imposed roughly 50% tariffs since June. Analysts warned the dispute could inflame already rising tariff tensions and complicate diplomacy at upcoming summits such as APEC.