U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply intensified the U.S.–Canada trade war, announcing a sweeping plan to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, auto parts and steel beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of “ripping off” the United States for years, claiming — without providing evidence — that Canadian tariffs have created a $60‑billion trade deficit and harmed American farmers.
He said Canada “will be treated like a State no longer,” adding that the U.S. “doesn’t need Canada” and urging companies to “Build in the U.S.” to avoid tariffs.
The comments on Truth Social come just days after trade talks between the two countries collapsed and Ottawa confirmed it will retaliate dollar‑for‑dollar beginning next month.
The latest threat follows a week of rapid deterioration in cross‑border relations. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Saturday that negotiations with Washington had failed, saying the U.S. demanded concessions that would “permanently disadvantage” Canadian industries.
Canada’s premiers have urged unity in responding to the crisis. Several, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have backed Carney’s decision to walk away from what they called a “bad deal,” arguing that Canada must not accept terms that undermine auto manufacturing, steel production and agriculture.
Premiers have also called for federal support to help workers and businesses absorb the shock of rising costs and supply‑chain disruptions.
Premier Ford rips into Trump ahead of Monday press conference
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press that Ronald Reagan would be “throwing up” over Trump’s trade policies and threatened to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States if the Canada-U.S. trade fight worsens.
“He’d be throwing up on him from the picture if he knew what was going on,” Ford said, noting that Trump keeps a portrait of Reagan near his desk. Ford said Reagan would be “disgusted with President Trump.”
Ford said “everything is on the table” after Carney walked away from trade talks late Friday.
“I’ll cut them off,” Ford said of critical minerals. “You won’t get a grain of sand out of Ontario.”
Ford will speak to reporters at 1:30 p.m ET in Hamilton. That press conference will be broadcast live on CityNews 24/7.
With files from The Associated Press
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