U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney offered an apology regarding the Ontario government’s controversial ad using former president Ronald Reagan’s words to convey an anti-tariff message to an American audience. Trump mentioned during a press briefing on Air Force One that despite having a good relationship with Carney, he believed the ad was misleading. Carney later confirmed the apology, stating that he disapproved of the ad’s content and had expressed his concerns to Ontario Premier Doug Ford prior to its release.
The ad, launched by the Ontario government on October 14, featured excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 radio address on free trade. While the ad focused on Reagan’s remarks on tariffs, the full address actually highlighted Reagan’s support for free trade policies. Following the ad’s broadcast, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute criticized the Ontario government on social media. Subsequently, Trump halted trade negotiations with Canada, denouncing the ad as deceptive and fake.
Ford eventually agreed to temporarily pause the ad campaign after it aired during the World Series, amidst the escalating controversy. Trump mentioned a recent meeting with Carney at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, where they discussed the issue. Trump emphasized the importance of their personal relationship, despite his disapproval of the ad.
This incident marks the second time Trump acknowledged receiving an apology related to the ad. While Ford’s office declined to provide further comments on the matter, Trump reiterated his belief that the ad was misleading and expressed appreciation for Carney’s apology.