Oops! Canada may have thought they were in the clear after Friday's fracas over Ontario's provincial government broadcasting an ad featuring a deceptively edited speech by President Ronald Reagan--in an failed attempt to make it sound like the former commander in chief was anti-tariffs--and issuing a limp apology from Premier Doug Ford.
As my colleague Katie Jerkovich wrote, the Reagan Presidential Library did not mince words - saying they may file a lawsuit - and rightly invited viewers to visit their YouTube channel to get the straight dope from the Gipper:
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute...hit back and said the ad had misrepresented Reagan's speech and was edited without permission.
...
"The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is reviewing its legal options in this matter," it added. "We encourage you to watch President Reagan's unedited video on our YouTube channel."
Jerkovich also shared Ontario's ad, so readers can make up their own minds on the situation:
Premier Ford stated that he would get the ad pulled from television stations--but not until Monday:In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that his province would pause the ads on Monday in hopes that trade talks would resume after speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
President Trump, however, tore into the move in a post on his Truth Social account, writing in the first one:
The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement which is fake, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs. The ad was for $75,000,000.
They only did this to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts. Tariffs are very important to National Security and economy of the U.S.A. Based on their egregious behavior, all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.
SEE: Trump-Canada Love Story Over After Fake Reagan Ad
The love affair between our two nations had started to cool off, in other words. And there's just one problem with the Canadian politician vowing to take the ad off-line on Monday. Friday night marked the start of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. More on that in a moment.
Here's one other Truth Social post from the president on Friday, which has now become relevant in light of Saturday's update:
The World Series starts tonight against the commies up north 🇨🇦
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) October 24, 2025
Go Dodgers!!🇺🇸
Also in the mix, possibly, is the not-so-friendly political jabs aimed at Pres. Trump ahead of Friday's game time in this truly cringe video starring Ford and Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom on their "friendly wager":
With the Blue Jays heading to the World Series against the LA Dodgers, @CAgovernor Newsom and I have a friendly wager going. Win or lose, we’re thrilled to celebrate great baseball, good neighbours and a friendship between Ontario and California! pic.twitter.com/88iH7pTifu
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 24, 2025
Here's where the other shoe dropped, readers. It didn't escape President Trump's notice that Canada's government allowed the ad of Reagan's altered speech to air in prime time during Game 1 of the World Series.
Trump is not pleased, to say the least. Now, there are consequences. Guess who gets to pay another 10 percent in tariffs?`
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 03:54 PM EST 10/25/25
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) October 25, 2025
Canada was caught, red handed, putting up a fraudulent advertisement on Ronald Reagan’s Speech on Tariffs. The Reagan Foundation said that they, “created an ad campaign using selective audio and video of President Ronald…
"Canada was caught, red handed, putting up a fraudulent advertisement on Ronald Reagan’s Speech on Tariffs," Trump wrote. "The Reagan Foundation said that they, 'created an ad campaign using selective audio and video of President Ronald Reagan. The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address,' and 'did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is reviewing its legal options in this matter.'
"The sole purpose of this FRAUD," he added, "was Canada’s hope that the United States Supreme Court will come to their 'rescue' on Tariffs that they have used for years to hurt the United States. Now the United States is able to defend itself against high and overbearing Canadian Tariffs (and those from the rest of the World as well!). Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t!"
"Their Advertisement was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD," Trump continued. "Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
It's lip service to take the ad off the air days later, when the damage is already done. And what an audience to reach during one of America's most cherished sporting event every year; the goal was to propagandize Americans - and possibly - our nation's legal system in the midst of ongoing suits filed against the administration. Why else would they leave it on the World Series?
That's quite a sad way to show goodwill and good sportsmanship, Canucks.
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