Trump insults Ontario premier as US-Canada trade fight deepens
Canada is preparing 15%-50% retaliatory tariffs on C$27.6 billion in U.S. imports starting Sept. 8.
U.S. President Donald Trump insulted Ontario Premier Doug Ford as the Washington-Ottawa trade dispute intensified. In a Truth Social post on Aug. 24, Trump called Ford a figure who was "less charismatic, intelligent and impressive," then pressured Canada with threats of worse economic consequences. Ford responded at a news conference by calling Trump a bully and dictator. The tensions followed a deadlock in trade talks and the imposition of 50 percent U.S. tariffs on a range of Canadian products since Aug. 22. Trump also threatened 50 percent tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel starting Jan. 1, 2027. In response, Canada is preparing tariffs of 15 percent to 50 percent on C$27.6 billion in U.S. imports starting Sept. 8.