The political landscape just got a bit more turbulent as former President Donald Trump threatens to impose a 10% additional tariff on Canadian imports, all because of a provincial advertisement that apparently ruffled his feathers.

In a dramatic display of international trade tension, Trump’s anger stems from an Ontario provincial ad that used quotes from Republican icon Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs. The advertisement, which aired during the World Series, seemingly struck a nerve with the former president, who claimed it was a “serious misrepresentation” and a “hostile act”.

The ad’s strategic timing coincides with an upcoming Supreme Court case that could determine the extent of Trump’s tariff-imposing powers. Trump has long wielded tariffs as a key economic strategy, but lower courts have previously challenged his authority to implement such sweeping trade restrictions.

Canada’s economic relationship with the United States is critically interconnected, with over three-quarters of Canadian exports heading south of the border. Daily cross-border trade amounts to approximately $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion U.S.), making any potential tariff escalation potentially devastating for both economies.

Currently, many Canadian products already face significant tariffs, ranging from 35% on general goods to 50% on steel and aluminum. The existing U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement provides some protection, but Trump’s historical approach suggests ongoing volatility.

Canadian officials, including Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, have attempted diplomatic damage control. LeBlanc emphasized the importance of direct engagement with the U.S. administration, subtly distinguishing between provincial messaging and federal trade negotiations.

While Trump claims the ad misrepresents Reagan’s economic stance, historical records suggest Reagan himself was skeptical of protectionist trade policies. The irony of using Reagan’s own words to critique tariffs seems lost on the former president.

As the situation develops, businesses and trade experts are closely monitoring potential fallout from this latest trade confrontation. The unpredictability of international economic relations continues to underscore the complex dynamics of global commerce.