Canadian Prime Minister Apologizes to Trump Over Reagan Ad
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his disagreement with an anti-tariffs advertisement featuring Republican icon Ronald Reagan, which worsened tensions with the US government. On Saturday, Carney formally apologized to the United States for the ad that angered President Donald Trump and resulted in the suspension of tariff discussions between the two countries.
Carney confirmed the apology while speaking to reporters after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea.
“I did apologize to the president,” Carney said.
This statement aligned with remarks Trump made the previous day. Carney mentioned that he had reviewed the advertisement before it aired and opposed its release.
The ad, produced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, featured Reagan’s voice discussing the negative impact of trade tariffs. The audio came from a 1987 radio address in which the then-Republican president explained his decision to impose tariffs on certain Japanese products. Reagan passed away in 2004.
In response to the ad, President Trump announced an end to “all trade negotiations” with Canada.
“I told Ford I did not want to go forward with the ad,” Carney told reporters.
Trump also noted he had a “very nice” conversation with Carney at a dinner during the APEC summit but did not provide further details.
Despite Carney’s apology, Trump maintained that the United States and Canada will not resume trade talks at this time.
Author’s Summary
Mark Carney apologized to President Trump for an anti-tariffs ad featuring Reagan that halted US-Canada trade negotiations despite Carney's opposition to the ad's release.