Yeliz Akmaca 
President Donald Trump announced a 10% additional tariff on imports from Canada. This move comes in response to a Canadian advertisement that distorted Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech on tariffs. The ad aired during the World Series, reaching millions of American viewers and sparking a heated debate.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, emphasized that the ads should have been removed immediately, but they were aired during the World Series knowingly, calling it “fraudulent”. This justified the 10% increase in tariffs on Canada.
He further stated that Canada “misrepresented the facts” in the advertisement, calling it a “hostile act”. Outside of exemptions under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canada imposes tariffs of 35% on most U.S. goods, with 50% on steel and aluminum products.
Trump, while boarding Air Force One to fly to Malaysia, reiterated on Truth Social:
“The ads should have been taken down immediately, but they allowed it to run last night during the World Series, knowing it was fraudulent.”
Ontario Advertisement and Ford’s Statements
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that the ad would stop on Monday but remain on air over the weekend. He said, “I instructed my team to continue delivering our message to Americans during the first two World Series games.”
The Reagan Foundation also stated that Canada used the speech without permission and edited the video selectively, reviewing its legal options.
During the game where the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 11–4, the ad was seen by millions. Ford explained that the purpose was to inform American viewers about tariffs’ impact on workers and businesses.
Ontario had announced plans to spend $75 million on the U.S. ad campaign, targeting Republican areas nationwide.
Reagan Foundation Reaction and Legal Process
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation criticized the ad for distorting the April 25, 1987, speech, sharing the full video online for viewers to watch. Ford also shared the complete video link.
In the original speech, Reagan discussed Japan’s semiconductor trade agreement and retaliatory tariffs, which were not reflected in Ontario’s ad.
The Supreme Court is expected to review in November whether President Trump has authority to impose tariffs on countries including Canada. The new 10% tariff increase took effect just before the legal process.
Trump stated: “Because they misrepresented the facts and acted hostilely, I increased tariffs.”
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