Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed he apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for an advertisement aired in Ontario criticizing Trump’s trade policies.
The ad, which featured archival remarks from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, argued against the use of tariffs and was broadcast despite Carney’s warnings to Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Carney Confirms Apology Following APEC Summit
“I did apologize to the president,” Carney told reporters after the APEC summit in South Korea.
“The president was offended by the ad … It’s not something I would have done — which is to put in place that advertisement — and so I apologized to him,” he added.
Trump told reporters he appreciated the apology, calling Carney “very nice” and describing the ad as misleading.
“He apologized for what they did with the commercial because it was a false commercial. You know, it was the exact opposite. Ronald Reagan loved tariffs, and they tried to make it look the other way,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
Trade Tensions Escalate as Ford Defends Decision
Premier Ford, a vocal critic of Trump’s import tariffs, reportedly chose to run the ad despite objections from Ottawa.
The commercial was also scheduled to air during the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.
Following the ad’s release, Trump accused Canada of spreading misinformation and threatened further trade retaliation.
He subsequently raised existing tariffs on Canadian goods by an additional 10% and suspended ongoing trade negotiations.
Canadian Officials Divided Over Fallout
Local leaders have largely backed Ford’s decision, framing it as a defense of Canadian interests.
“I support the premier’s approach,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. “It’s got a lot of coverage.”
“And the words are truthful, despite what they’re trying to spin and say that, you know, it’s only a portion of the speech. Ronald Reagan viewed tariffs as taxes that would cost America in the long term.”
Trump has also accused Canada of attempting to influence an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case related to the legality of his tariffs, with hearings scheduled for November 5.
While Carney’s apology helped temper tensions, Trump said trade talks would not resume “at this time.”
