U.S. President Donald Trump has mentioned that Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an apology for the Ontario government’s advertisement that utilized former President Ronald Reagan’s words to convey an anti-tariff message to an American audience. Trump expressed his appreciation for Carney but criticized the commercial, labeling it as misleading. He stated that Reagan actually supported tariffs, contrary to what the ad implied.
Carney confirmed the apology to Trump on Saturday and disassociated himself from the ad, stating it was not an action he would have taken. He further disclosed that he had previewed the ad and advised Ontario Premier Doug Ford against its dissemination.
The controversial one-minute ad, launched by the Ontario government on October 14, featured excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 radio address on free trade. Despite the ad’s interpretation, Reagan endorsed limited tariff application while opposing widespread tariff use, remaining a staunch advocate for free trade during his presidency.
Following backlash from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on social media, Trump abruptly halted trade negotiations with Canada, denouncing the ad as deceptive and “FAKE.” Ford eventually agreed to pause the ad campaign after it aired during the World Series.
During a recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, Trump referenced a meeting with Carney, highlighting their positive personal relationship despite the ad controversy. Trump acknowledged Carney’s apology and reiterated his stance on the ad’s misleading nature.
This incident marks a rare instance where Trump acknowledged receiving an apology for the ad, as previously mentioned in his comments to reporters. Ford’s office has not provided any additional comments beyond the premier’s previous statements regarding the advertisement.
