Canadian PM Backtracks, Points Apology Over Controversial Advert
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued an apology to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a political advertisement that referenced former President Ronald Reagan’s views on tariffs.
The advertisement, which aired on major U.S. television networks earlier this month, drew criticism for its portrayal of Reagan’s 1987 radio address on trade barriers. This address, delivered during Reagan’s presidency, highlighted potential risks of tariffs, including the possibility of escalating into broader trade conflicts and economic challenges.
The advertisement was commissioned by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. It featured audio clips from Reagan’s speech to underscore concerns about proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Ford described the spot as an effort to share Reagan’s perspective directly with American audiences, noting that it was broadcast on prominent networks.
He characterized the content as accurate and effective, later referring to it as one of the most successful advertisements in his political career.
The White House responded promptly to the ad’s release on October 14, 2025, contending that the selected excerpts did not fully represent the context of Reagan’s remarks. In light of the controversy, President Trump suspended ongoing trade negotiations with Canada and imposed an additional 10 percent tariff on certain Canadian imports.
Trump addressed the issue in a Truth Social post, stating that the advertisement inaccurately depicted Reagan’s stance, while emphasizing that Reagan supported tariffs when they aligned with U.S. national security interests.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the former president’s legacy, also weighed in. The organization argued that the ad employed selective editing of the audio, which could lead to a misunderstanding of Reagan’s complete position on trade policies.
Prime Minister Carney, who reviewed the advertisement script with Premier Ford prior to its airing, expressed reservations about proceeding with it. According to Carney’s statements, he advised against launching the campaign but was overruled. M
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, following the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, Carney confirmed to reporters that he had extended a private apology to Trump. This occurred during a dinner event hosted by South Korea’s president on the preceding Wednesday, October 22.
Carney detailed that the apology addressed the unintended implications of the ad on bilateral relations.
President Trump acknowledged the gesture, describing Carney’s approach as courteous. Trump noted that the Canadian leader had directly addressed the advertisement’s content during their interaction, signaling a potential de-escalation in the immediate tensions.
This episode unfolds against a backdrop of evolving economic strategies for Canada. During the same trip to Asia, Carney held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 24, 2025.
Ford, for his part, maintained his support for the advertisement in subsequent comments, defending its factual basis without retreating from his initial endorsement.
As of late October 2025, no further adjustments to the tariffs have been announced, and trade talks remain paused pending further dialogue. Observers note that the apology may pave the way for resumed discussions.