Trump Raises Tariffs on Canada by 10% After Ontario Ad Criticizing Tariffs Airs During World Series

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canada, reacting for the second time to an advertisement by Canada’s Ontario provincial government that aired during the World Series broadcast.

Trump said on Truth Social that the move was in response to what he called a “fraudulent” and “hostile” ad featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which criticized tariffs as triggers for trade wars and economic disaster.

“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the tariff on Canada by 10 percent over and above what they are paying now,” Trump posted while aboard Air Force One en route to Malaysia, the first stop on his Asia trade tour.

The ad, which began airing earlier in the week, shows Reagan warning against tariffs. It does not mention that he was referring to Japan-specific measures, which his administration viewed as exceptions to his broader free-trade stance.

Trade Talks Halted

Trump had already ended trade talks with Ottawa on Thursday after first seeing the ad. In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that the province would pause the ad campaign on Monday, following discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in hopes of resuming negotiations.

The ad ran again Friday night during Game 1 of the World Series, featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, prompting Trump’s latest escalation.

“Their advertisement was to be taken down immediately, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a fraud,” Trump wrote.

Impact Unclear

It remains unclear which Canadian goods will be affected by the new tariffs. Most Canadian exports are exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed during Trump’s first term.

In August, however, the Trump administration imposed a 35% tariff on Canadian goods not covered by the pact, and earlier this year, 50% tariffs on global steel and aluminum imports, which have already hit Canada’s economy hard.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada remains ready to resume trade discussions. Both leaders will attend the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, though Trump told reporters he has no plans to meet Carney.

White House, Commerce Department, and Canadian officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The U.S. president’s move marks the latest escalation in trade tensions between the two North American partners, driven by political friction and public messaging rather than direct economic disputes.