Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Criticism of President Trump

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed strong criticism of President Donald Trump, asserting that former U.S. President Ronald Reagan would be displeased with Trump’s trade policies. Ford’s remarks are part of an ongoing critique of Trump’s approach. In an interview with The Associated Press, Ford highlighted that despite Trump’s admiration for Reagan, Reagan’s legacy of championing free trade conflicts with Trump’s interventionist policies. Ford stated, ‘Reagan would be throwing up over Trump’s actions.’

The backdrop to Ford’s comments includes a breakdown in trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, where Canada responded to Trump’s imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports worth $20 billion. As the leader of Ontario since 2018, Ford has consistently criticized Trump. He expressed a willingness to cooperate with the U.S., yet maintained a stance against Trump’s measures.

Ford’s Responses to Specific Events

Over the years, Ford has responded to several of Trump’s actions:

January 6, 2025: Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods prompted Ford to mockingly offer to buy Alaska, highlighting Canada’s contributions to the U.S. economy, including minerals and energy.

January 22, 2025: Ford emphasized his readiness to retaliate against Trump’s trade war, even suggesting the suspension of electricity supply to the U.S.

February 27, 2025: Following his electoral victory, Ford pledged to resist Trump’s tariffs, stating, ‘Canada will never be the 51st state.’

March 4, 2025: Ford called upon U.S. Republicans to oppose Trump’s chaotic tariff threats.

March 10, 2025: Ontario imposed a 25 percent electricity surcharge on American consumers, which was later suspended after U.S. pressure.

March 26, 2025: Ford criticized Trump’s tariff announcement as detrimental to American workers.

April 24, 2025: At the Canada Growth Summit, Ford accused Trump of undermining the Canadian auto industry.

August 7, 2025: In a CNN interview, Ford stated Trump is unpopular in Canada, describing his actions as attacks on a close ally.

September 29, 2025: Ford opposed Trump’s 100 percent tariffs on international films, expressing disagreement with Trump’s policies.

July 20, 2026 & July 24, 2026: Facing Trump’s tariffs linked to wildfire smoke, Ford countered by suggesting U.S. aid in wildfire management. Later, criticizing Trump’s economic attacks, he advocated standing up against persistent aggression.

August 13, 2026: During an event, Ford mentioned data centers in Ontario, proposing to prioritize local development over Trump’s interests.

August 22, 2026: Ford likened Trump’s untrustworthiness to minor theft, imploring unity in Canada’s stance.

August 24, 2026: Ford condemned Trump as a ‘dictator’ and ‘bully,’ emphasizing his failure to reduce costs for Americans.

Trump’s Reactions

Trump used social media to retaliate:

March 10, 2025: Trump referred to Canada as a ‘tariff abuser,’ promising substantial financial consequences.

March 11, 2025: Despite criticizing Ford, Trump commended his suspension of the electricity surcharge.

October 16, 2025: Trump halted trade talks and added a 10 percent tax on Canadian products after Ford’s campaign highlighted Reagan’s past tariff criticisms.

August 23-24, 2026: Trump criticized Ford and accused Canada of exploiting the U.S. economy.

Throughout these exchanges, Trump maintained a narrative of U.S. superiority, often dismissive of Canadian leadership.