Trump Slams Canada with Tariff Hike After ‘Hostile Act’ and Fake Reagan Ad Scandal

President Donald Trump has imposed a sharp 10% tariff increase on Canada after accusing the country of airing a “fraudulent” political advertisement that misrepresented the late President Ronald Reagan’s position on tariffs.

“Canada was caught, red handed, putting up a fraudulent advertisement on Ronald Reagan’s Speech on Tariffs,” President Trump announced Saturday on Truth Social.

He cited a formal statement from the Reagan Foundation that condemned Canada’s move, saying it “created an ad campaign using selective audio and video of President Ronald Reagan. The ad misrepresents the Presidential Radio Address.”

According to President Trump, the Reagan Foundation also noted that the government behind the ad “did not seek nor receive permission to use and edit the remarks,” and that the organization “is reviewing its legal options in this matter.”

Trump called the move “a hostile act” and said it was a clear attempt to sway the U.S. Supreme Court as Canada faces pressure over existing trade tariffs.

“The sole purpose of this FRAUD 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,” Trump wrote.

The president reaffirmed his long-standing position that tariffs are a legitimate tool for protecting American workers and national interests.

“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!” he wrote.

Trump also blasted Canadian officials for continuing to air the misleading ad during one of the nation’s most-watched sporting events.

“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,” he said.

As a consequence, Trump announced that tariffs on Canadian imports will rise an additional 10%, citing Canada’s “serious misrepresentation of the facts.”

“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!” Trump declared.

The controversy stems from an ad campaign reportedly sponsored by Ontario’s provincial government. Trump canceled planned trade talks with Canada on Thursday after the video surfaced, calling it “crooked” and “dishonest.”

“Canada lied,” the President said of the ad. “They made up a fake statement by President Reagan. Reagan was a big supporter of tariffs when needed. We need tariffs for national security, and they totally turned it around because they’re getting hurt by tariffs, and we’re gaining by tariffs.”

Trump described the campaign as “fraud” and “dirty playing,” adding pointedly, “I can play dirtier than they can.”

Despite mounting backlash, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said the advertisement will continue to run through Monday.