U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney had expressed regret for the Ontario government’s advertisement that utilized former president Ronald Reagan’s statements to convey an anti-tariff message to an American audience. Trump mentioned during a press gathering on Air Force One that he maintains a positive relationship with Carney but disapproved of the ad’s content. Carney subsequently acknowledged apologizing to Trump, emphasizing that the ad did not align with his approach.
The controversial one-minute ad, launched by the Ontario government on October 14, featured excerpts from Reagan’s radio address in April 1987 discussing free trade. While the ad selectively portrayed Reagan’s stance on tariffs, the former president was an advocate of free trade throughout his tenure. Following the ad’s broadcast, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute criticized the Ontario government on social media, prompting Trump to abruptly halt trade negotiations with Canada, denouncing the ad as “FAKE.”
Carney confirmed that he had previewed the ad and had advised Ontario Premier Doug Ford against its dissemination. Despite Ford agreeing to temporarily pause the ad campaign, it re-aired during the World Series before being halted. Trump mentioned a recent meeting with Carney at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, highlighting their positive personal rapport despite the ad controversy.
This incident marks a rare instance where Trump acknowledged receiving an apology, noting that the parties involved had expressed regret for the ad. Meanwhile, Ford’s office declined to provide further comments on the matter.
