Ontario Premier Doug Ford believes former U.S. President Ronald Reagan would be upset by President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Ford has often criticized Trump, particularly due to their differing approaches to trade.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Ford mentioned that Trump displays a portrait of Reagan, a well-liked Republican who supported free trade, but claimed the former president would be adverse to Trump’s actions. Ford commented on Trump’s tariffs and interventionist policies, which he sees as contrary to Reagan’s economic stance. “[Reagan would] be throwing up on him from the picture if he knew what was going on,” Ford said.
Ford’s remarks came after failed trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada, following a 50 percent tariff imposition on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods by Trump. Despite wanting good relations with the U.S., Ford has frequently criticized Trump since he took office. Ford previously expressed willingness to work with Trump, though the U.S. president has criticized Ford and Ontario.
Recent Statements by Ford on Trump
On January 6, 2025, Ford mocked Trump’s tariff threats and comments about Canada becoming the 51st state. Ford humorously suggested buying Alaska, Minnesota, and Minneapolis. Ford highlighted the importance of Canadian resources like minerals, oil, and electricity for the U.S. The premier argued Americans should not disrupt this trade.
On January 22, 2025, Ford stressed that he is a “street fighter” in politics and emphasized retaliation for any actions against Canada. He talked about cutting power to U.S. homes and businesses, as well as banning U.S. liquor from Ontario if necessary. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Trump nonetheless.
After securing a third electoral win on February 27, 2025, Ford vowed to oppose Trump’s tariff threats. He asserted that Canada would never become the 51st state and took a firm stance against Trump’s policies.
On March 10, 2025, Ford responded to Trump’s trade war by imposing a 25 percent surcharge on electricity supplied to American homes and businesses. He warned that the charge could increase or supply could be cut if tensions escalated. Minnesota relies on energy from Ontario.
Ford ridiculed Trump’s description of tariffs as “Liberation Day” in March 2025 when Trump planned to announce them. Ford referred to Trump’s catchphrase from “The Apprentice,” calling tariffs “Termination Day for American workers.”
During the Canada Growth Summit in April 2025, Ford accused Trump of undermining Canadian auto and manufacturing industries. He criticized Trump’s unpredictability and the confusion it caused.
In response to Trump’s trade measures affecting the global film industry in September 2025, Ford expressed his disagreement, stating Trump drives him “crazy.”
Ford commented on a July 2026 incident concerning Trump’s threats over Canadian wildfire smoke. He suggested the U.S. help with firefighting efforts rather than complaining.
In August 2026, amid trade disputes, Ford accused Trump of economic aggression against Canada in a CBS News interview. He stressed the importance of standing up to threats.
On August 24, 2026, Ford responded to a new tariff threat by labeling Trump a “dictator” and “bully,” criticizing his record of bankruptcies. Ford urged American voters to recognize Trump’s unfulfilled promises regarding lower costs.
Ford faced Trump’s backlash on Truth Social in March 2025 after Ford imposed surcharges on electricity to U.S. states. Yet, Trump later praised Ford for suspending this surcharge, suggesting White House pressure influenced the decision.
October 2025 saw Trump respond to Ford’s team publicizing Reagan’s anti-tariff comments by accusing Canada of misrepresenting Reagan’s views in an ad. This led to further tariff escalations.
The conflict continued in August 2026, with Trump posting criticisms of Canada and calling out Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump claimed Canada exploited the U.S. economically and highlighted perceived weaknesses in their leadership.
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