US President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cessation of all trade negotiations with Canada following the airing of a controversial advert featuring words from former President Ronald Reagan's address on tariffs.
The advert, produced by the Canadian province of Ontario, showcases parts of a 1987 speech by Reagan that critiques the use of tariffs, suggesting they hurt every American. Trump labeled the advert as FAKE, while the Ronald Reagan Foundation accused it of misrepresenting Reagan's message.
While the advert accurately quotes Reagan, it rearranges the order of his statements, potentially misleading viewers regarding his stance on trade issues. The speech's opening discusses the then-upcoming visit of Japan's Prime Minister and a backdrop of trade disputes involving tariffs on Japanese goods.
Details from the advert include Reagan's warnings that tariffs may appear patriotic but ultimately harm the economy. Key lines emphasize the dangers of trade barriers, concluding with the assertion that America's jobs and growth are at stake. This new diplomatic rift raises critical questions about the future of free trade agreements in North America.
