Canada Faces New 10% US Tariff Due to Reagan Speech Controversy

The ongoing trade friction between the United States and Canada has intensified with President Donald Trump enacting a new 10% tariff on Canadian imports. Trump’s decision stems from what he claims is Canada’s ‘fraudulent advertisement’ that manipulated remarks from former President Ronald Reagan. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation corroborated that portions of Reagan’s 1987 speech were altered and used without consent, misrepresenting his stance on trade. “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,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, accusing Ottawa of being ‘caught red-handed.’ The advertisement in question, aired in Ontario, incorporated edited excerpts from Reagan’s address, warning about the detrimental effects of high tariffs on jobs and businesses. While the ad sought to critique Trump’s trade policies, officials have labeled it misleading. In response to this latest tariff, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed openness to restarting trade talks, despite the escalating situation. The US had previously levied 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% on energy products, prompting Canada to implement its own retaliatory measures on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods.