A newly released advertisement in the United States by Ontario, Canada’s largest province, has triggered fresh diplomatic friction between Washington and Ottawa. The ad features former US President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs as an ineffective economic policy, sparking outrage from former President Donald Trump and deepening an already strained relationship between both nations.
In a Truth Social post on Thursday night, Trump denounced the commercial as “fake,” citing statements from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation that described the footage as doctored. The former president accused the Canadian government of attempting to influence US courts through the ad’s release and announced an abrupt halt to trade discussions with Canada.
“Based on their egregious behavior, all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated,” Trump wrote.
The controversy adds to the growing tension between Washington and Ottawa following Trump’s tariff policies that had already unsettled North American trade relations.
The advertisement, funded by the government of Ontario under Premier Doug Ford, reportedly cost about 75 million Canadian dollars (US$54 million). Ford, a long-time critic of Trump’s tariff policy, said the campaign was designed to highlight the economic damage caused by US levies on Canadian steel and other exports.
Ontario, home to more than a third of Canada’s population and the nation’s industrial hub, has suffered significant losses due to the tariffs.
The minute-long advertisement, which aired on major US networks, included remarks from Reagan’s 1987 national address on trade. In the original speech, Reagan acknowledged imposing temporary tariffs on Japan but warned that such measures were merely short-term fixes that could ultimately hurt both sides.
Ford posted the ad on his X account on October 16, declaring that Canada “will never stop making the case against American tariffs.”
The backlash from Trump’s camp has now cast uncertainty over trade dialogue between the two neighbors, reigniting debate on how political messaging and media influence can directly impact cross-border economic policy.
About the author
Ibrahim Traoré accueille le président de l’UA Évariste Ndayishimiye à Ouagadougou
Le Président du Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, a accueilli ce lundi 20 avril 2026 au matin, à l’aéroport international de Ouagadougou, le Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, Évariste Ndayishimiye. Cette visite officielle s’inscrit dans le cadre des relations diplomatiques entre les États africains et les institutions continentales. Des échanges avec la Confédération AES Au cours de son séjour, le chef de l’État burundais, également président en exercice de l’UA, aura des échanges avec Ibrahim Traoré en sa qualité de Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). Ces discussions devraient porter sur des enjeux politiques, sécuritaires et de coopération régionale. Visites d’infrastructures à Ouagadougou Le programme de la visite prévoit également des déplacements sur plusieurs infrastructures socio-économiques dans la capitale, Ouagadougou. Ces visites visent à mettre en lumière les initiatives de développement en cours dans le pays. Une visite […]
LOOMIC : ABSTERGO lance une nouvelle marque d’accessoires tech au Burkina Faso
Dans un contexte où les accessoires numériques occupent une place centrale dans la vie quotidienne, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY franchit une nouvelle étape. Le 18 avril 2026, l’entreprise a officiellement lancé LOOMIC, une marque dédiée aux essentiels technologiques, avec une ambition claire : allier performance, design et accessibilité. Une vision : rendre la technologie utile et accessible Avec LOOMIC, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY veut combler le fossé entre le haut de gamme et l’accessibilité. Selon son fondateur, Marthial Oubda, les accessoires du quotidien ont longtemps été sous-estimés. « La technologie doit faire plus que fonctionner. Elle doit simplifier et améliorer l’expérience », a-t-il expliqué. LOOMIC se positionne ainsi comme une marque centrée sur l’essentiel, avec une approche axée sur l’innovation utile et un design minimaliste. Voltis : un écosystème de charge performant La marque inaugure sa gamme Voltis, dédiée à l’énergie et à la […]
Audit Exposes GHS427m Payroll Scandal at Defence Ministry
A shocking audit report has uncovered a massive payroll scandal involving a senior government official who allegedly received over GHS427 million in unearned salaries over 29 months. The individual at the center of the controversy, Frank Oliver Kpodo, served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence Ghana during the period under review. Millions Paid for No Work Done According to findings by the Auditor-General of Ghana, the payments were made between January 2023 and June 2025. On average, this amounts to more than GHS14 million per month—funds reportedly paid without corresponding work. The audit, which examined government payroll systems, aimed to ensure that only legitimate employees receive salaries. Instead, it exposed what appears to be a deeply flawed system. Part of a Larger Payroll Leak The report found that over 6,000 government employees collectively received more than GHS800 […]
Old Tafo MP Questions NPRA Sole Sourcing, Raises Transparency Concerns
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised fresh concerns about procurement practices at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). He warned that the growing use of sole sourcing could undermine transparency and value for money. Questions Over High-Value Contracts Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Assafuah pointed to several major contracts awarded through sole sourcing. These include: A consultancy deal worth GH¢4.2 million A vehicle procurement arrangement exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000 According to him, the repeated reliance on sole sourcing for such high-value transactions raises serious concerns about due process. “Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated. Concerns Over Costly Consultancy Engagements The MP also questioned the need for certain consultancy services. He noted that a reported monthly cost of about GH¢175,000 could suggest duplication […]
Kaya : 190 jeunes et femmes reçoivent des kits pour lancer leurs activités
À Kaya, 190 personnes, majoritairement des jeunes et des femmes, disposent désormais des moyens nécessaires pour lancer leurs propres activités génératrices de revenus. Le 25 mars 2026, SOS Villages d’Enfants a procédé à la remise officielle de kits d’installation complets, marquant une nouvelle étape dans son programme d’autonomisation. Un investissement de près de 40 millions FCFA L’opération représente un investissement global de 39 751 400 FCFA. Ce montant se répartit comme suit : 27 361 650 FCFA pour l’acquisition du matériel 12 389 750 FCFA consacrés à la formation technique des bénéficiaires L’objectif est clair : permettre un démarrage immédiat des activités avec des compétences solides. Des équipements pour plusieurs métiers Les kits distribués couvrent différents secteurs d’activité : Production d’attiéké : 32 femmes Coupe et couture : 42 bénéficiaires Transformation de produits ligneux : 56 personnes Teinture de pagnes […]
JEPPC 2026 : Émile Zerbo appelle à consommer local pour renforcer la souveraineté
Le Burkina Faso a officiellement lancé, ce 26 mars 2026, la première phase des Journées nationales d’engagement patriotique et de participation citoyenne (JEPPC). La cérémonie, organisée au ministère de la Justice, a été présidée par Émile Zerbo, ministre d’État chargé de l’Administration territoriale. Un thème centré sur la souveraineté alimentaire Pour cette troisième édition, le thème choisi est clair :« Produisons burkinabè, consommons burkinabè, notre assiette, notre fierté » À travers ce message, les autorités entendent promouvoir un changement profond des habitudes de consommation et renforcer le patriotisme économique. Un discours fort contre la dépendance aux importations Relayant le message du chef de l’État, Émile Zerbo a dénoncé une forme d’impérialisme ancrée dans le quotidien. Selon lui, la dépendance aux produits importés affaiblit l’économie nationale et marginalise les producteurs locaux. Il a notamment pointé du doigt la présence massive de […]
Related
One Nation wins historic seat in Australia
One Nation has secured its first-ever seat in Australia’s lower house of parliament, marking a major breakthrough for the right-wing populist movement and highlighting growing voter frustration with the country’s traditional political parties. The victory came in the regional constituency of Farrer, where One Nation candidate David Farley won comfortably with around 60% of the primary vote after most ballots were counted. Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe finished well behind in the contest, which was triggered following the resignation of Sussan Ley from parliament after losing the leadership of the conservative Liberal Party. Although the result does not threaten the strong parliamentary majority of the ruling Australian Labor Party, political analysts see it as another sign of weakening support for Australia’s established political forces. The by-election represented the first federal electoral test for One Nation since the party achieved a strong […]
Péter Magyar sworn in as Hungary PM
Péter Magyar has officially been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year dominance over the country’s political landscape. During the inauguration ceremony at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Magyar promised a leadership focused on public service rather than power. “I will not rule over Hungary — I will serve my country,” he declared after taking the oath of office. His party, Tisza Party, secured a historic landslide victory in the recent legislative elections, winning 141 of the 199 parliamentary seats. The result is particularly remarkable given that the movement was founded only two years ago. Large crowds were expected to gather along the Danube in Budapest for what supporters described as a “celebration of freedom and democracy”. Magyar called on Hungarians to embrace what he referred to as a “gateway of regime change”. […]
Iran accuses US of sabotaging diplomacy
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticized the United States, accusing Washington of choosing military escalation whenever diplomatic progress appears possible. In a message posted on X, Araghchi said the US repeatedly turns to what he described as a “reckless military adventure” each time negotiations move closer to a potential solution. He also insisted that Iran would “never bow to pressure”. The statement comes amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran and the United States have exchanged accusations over recent military confrontations. Despite the clashes, Donald Trump maintained that a ceasefire between both sides remains in effect. The truce is intended to support negotiations aimed at ending the conflict launched earlier this year involving the United States, Israel and Iran. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tehran is expected to respond to American peace […]
Putin defends Ukraine war on Victory Day
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual Victory Day address in Moscow’s Red Square to defend Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and sharply criticize North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato). Speaking before hundreds of soldiers and military officials during the May 9 celebrations, Putin described the conflict in Ukraine as a “just war” and accused Nato of backing what he called an aggressive Ukrainian government. According to the Russian leader, Moscow is confronting a military force supported by the entire Western alliance. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national commemorations, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II. However, this year’s celebrations were more restrained than in previous years due to heightened security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine and fears of possible drone attacks. Ahead of the ceremonies, Russia and Ukraine agreed to […]
Plane hits pedestrian during takeoff at Denver airport
A Frontier Airlines flight aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport after the aircraft struck a pedestrian on the runway, forcing an emergency stop and evacuation. The incident occurred at about 11:19 p.m. local time on Friday, when Frontier Flight 4345 was departing Denver for Los Angeles International Airport. Denver International Airport said the aircraft “reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff” on runway 17L, prompting an immediate emergency response. According to US media reports, the person hit was at least partially consumed by one of the plane’s engines, though the individual’s condition had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting. Frontier Airlines confirmed that smoke was detected in the cabin shortly after the impact, leading the pilots to abort the takeoff. Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides as a precaution, and at least one passenger was reported injured during […]
South Africa court revives Ramaphosa impeachment
South Africa’s Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament acted unconstitutionally when it blocked efforts in 2022 to begin impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision could reopen the door to renewed impeachment attempts, placing the president’s political future under renewed pressure. The case stems from a legal challenge brought by opposition parties following the controversial Phala Phala farm incident, where large sums of foreign currency were reportedly stolen from the president’s private residence. In 2020, about $580,000 was allegedly taken from Ramaphosa’s farm in Limpopo province. The money had been concealed inside a sofa, according to reports at the time. The president stated that the funds came from the sale of buffalo and denied any wrongdoing or misconduct. A panel of legal experts later suggested that Ramaphosa may have a case to answer regarding how the money was handled […]