Canada PM Mark Carney Issues Apology To Trump Over Viral Ronald Reagan Ad: ‘I Did Apologise, He Was Offended’

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday publicly apologised to US President Donald Trump over a controversial advertisement that used clips of former American President Ronald Reagan criticising tariffs. The ad, which was launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, has sparked a major diplomatic row and temporarily derailed trade talks between Ottawa and Washington.

Speaking to reporters in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, Carney said, “I did apologise to the President. The President was offended.” He added that discussions on trade would resume once the United States was “ready.”

The Ad That Sparked a Diplomatic Row

The one-minute commercial, first aired during the American League Championship Series, featured excerpts from Reagan’s 1987 radio address, where he warned that high tariffs could lead to “trade wars, market collapse, and job losses.” The ad was produced by Ontario’s provincial government and intended to promote free trade while criticising protectionist policies.

However, the move backfired when the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation accused Ontario of using and editing Reagan’s speech without authorisation. The foundation said it was “reviewing legal options,” calling the ad “misleading and unauthorised.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he had agreed to take down the ad but allowed it to air during the World Series before doing so.

Trump’s Reaction And Tariff Hike

President Trump, visibly angered by the advertisement, claimed the message was “false and misleading.” Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump told reporters, “I have a very good relationship with Carney. I like him a lot, but what they did was wrong. He apologised for what they did with the commercial. It was a false ad — Ronald Reagan loved tariffs.”

Following the incident, Trump announced an immediate 10 per cent increase in tariffs on Canadian imports, accusing Canada of committing a “hostile act.” He also suspended ongoing trade negotiations, writing on Truth Social, “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, I am increasing tariffs on Canada by 10 per cent.”

Reagan’s 1987 Message Resurfaces

In Reagan’s original address, the former US President warned that while tariffs might seem patriotic, they ultimately hurt workers and consumers. “High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation and economic decline,” Reagan said at the time.

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The renewed debate over Reagan’s remarks has highlighted growing trade tensions under Trump’s administration, which has already imposed tariffs on several US allies, including Canada, China, and the European Union.

Meanwhile, Carney said talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Seoul had marked a “turning point” in Canada-China relations, even as Ottawa navigates Washington’s escalating trade measures.

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With the diplomatic storm still brewing, Carney maintained that Canada would “keep the door open for dialogue” once Washington is prepared to resume trade talks.