What's happened
On November 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney privately apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for an Ontario-produced political ad criticizing Trump's tariffs, which Trump deemed false. The ad, featuring Ronald Reagan's 1987 speech warning against tariffs, led Trump to suspend trade talks and increase tariffs on Canadian goods. Carney opposed the ad and urged Ontario Premier Doug Ford not to air it. Despite tensions, Carney and Trump maintained a cordial relationship during a recent Asia-Pacific summit.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Trade Dynamics
- The apology by Prime Minister Carney highlights the delicate balance between federal and provincial powers in Canada, especially in foreign relations and trade.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford's decision to run the ad despite federal opposition underscores internal political divisions and differing strategies toward the U.S.
- Trump's reaction—halting trade talks and increasing tariffs—demonstrates how political messaging can directly impact international economic relations.
Diplomatic Nuances
- Carney's private apology and cordial dinner with Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit suggest efforts to maintain dialogue despite public tensions.
- The use of Ronald Reagan's speech in the ad, while factually accurate, was framed by Trump as misleading, reflecting the politicization of historical narratives.
Broader Implications
- The episode reveals the fragility of Canada-U.S. trade relations under Trump's administration, with tariffs affecting key Canadian sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos.
- Carney's talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping indicate a strategic pivot to diversify Canada's trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the U.S.
Forecast
- Trade negotiations are likely to remain stalled until the U.S. administration signals readiness, but diplomatic channels remain open.
- Internal Canadian political tensions may persist, complicating a unified approach to U.S. trade policy.
- Canadian consumers and businesses may increasingly seek alternatives amid tariff pressures, potentially boosting domestic industries.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Ian Austen reports that Carney apologized privately to Trump during a dinner at the Asia-Pacific summit, emphasizing that the ad was not something he would have authorized and that he advised Ontario Premier Doug Ford against airing it. Trump described the ad as "false" and accused it of misrepresenting Ronald Reagan's stance on tariffs, leading to suspended trade talks and increased tariffs on Canadian goods. The Independent and Business Insider UK highlight Trump's comments on Air Force One, where he acknowledged liking Carney personally but condemned the ad as "wrong." They also note the mixed Canadian public reaction, with some criticizing Carney's apology as unnecessary and others viewing it as a pragmatic move to restore trade talks. The Guardian and South China Morning Post provide context on the ad's content and its impact on Canada-U.S. relations, noting Carney's efforts to manage the fallout and his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping to diversify trade. The NY Post details the ad's use of Reagan's 1987 speech warning against tariffs, which Trump claims was taken out of context. Across sources, Carney's apology is portrayed as a strategic attempt to repair strained relations, while Ford's ad campaign is seen as a populist challenge complicating federal diplomacy.
How we got here
Tensions escalated after Ontario's Conservative Premier Doug Ford aired an ad during the World Series using Ronald Reagan's speech to criticize U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump called the ad false, suspended trade talks, and raised tariffs. Carney, leading Canada's federal government, distanced himself from the ad, apologized to Trump, and sought to repair bilateral trade relations amid ongoing tariff disputes.
Go deeper
- Why did Mark Carney apologize for the Ontario ad?
- What was in the Ontario political ad that angered Trump?
- How will this affect Canada-U.S. trade relations going forward?
Common question
-
Why did Canadian Foreign Minister Carney apologize to Trump over the Ontario ad?
Canadian Foreign Minister Carney's private apology to President Trump over a controversial Ontario ad has sparked questions about diplomatic relations and trade tensions. The ad, which criticized tariffs using Reagan's speech, led to significant fallout, including halted trade talks and increased tariffs. Below, we explore the details behind this incident, its impact on US-Canada relations, and what it means for future diplomacy.
-
Can political ads spark international trade disputes?
Political advertisements can have far-reaching effects beyond their immediate audience, sometimes influencing international relations and trade tensions. Recent incidents, like the controversy over a Canadian ad criticizing tariffs, show how political messaging can escalate diplomatic conflicts. Curious about how these ads impact global trade? Below, we explore common questions about the connection between political advertising and international trade tensions.
-
Why Did Trump Halt Trade Talks with Canada After the Ontario Ad Controversy?
Recently, tensions between the US and Canada escalated after an Ontario government ad used Reagan's speech to criticize tariffs, which Trump found offensive. This led to Trump halting trade negotiations and increasing tariffs on Canadian goods. But what exactly prompted this move, and what could it mean for future trade relations? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this diplomatic standoff and its broader implications.
-
How Do Tariffs and Trade Disputes Impact International Relations?
Trade disputes and tariffs are more than just economic issues — they shape diplomatic relationships and influence global politics. Understanding how tariffs affect international relations can help explain recent tensions, negotiations, and conflicts between countries. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the long-term effects of trade disputes, how tariffs influence political ties, and what strategies nations use to resolve conflicts.
-
What is the history behind US-Canada trade relations?
US-Canada trade relations have a long and complex history shaped by economic, political, and diplomatic factors. From early trade agreements to recent disputes, understanding this relationship helps explain current trade policies and tensions. Curious about how these relations evolved, what major conflicts occurred, and what agreements govern trade today? Keep reading to find out.
-
What are the potential next steps after the Ontario ad controversy?
The controversy surrounding the Ontario ad that used Reagan's speech to criticize tariffs has sparked significant diplomatic and economic fallout. With Canada's Foreign Minister Carney apologizing privately to Trump and trade negotiations being affected, many are wondering what comes next. Will this incident lead to further diplomatic tensions? Could trade talks resume soon? How might this impact future political messaging? Here are some key questions and answers to understand the potential next steps after this incident.
-
Why Did the Canadian PM Apologize to Trump Over the Tariff Ad?
In late 2025, tensions between Canada and the U.S. escalated after a controversial political ad from Ontario criticized U.S. tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a private apology to President Donald Trump, but what prompted this move? Understanding the background of this incident reveals how political messaging, trade disputes, and diplomatic relations intertwine. Below, we explore the key questions about this incident and its implications for future Canada-U.S. trade relations.
-
Why Did Canada's Prime Minister Apologize to the US Over Tariffs?
In late 2025, tensions between Canada and the US escalated over tariffs and political ads. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a private apology to President Donald Trump after a controversial Ontario ad criticized US tariffs, leading to a diplomatic stir. This incident raises questions about how political messaging can impact international relations and what the future holds for Canada-US trade. Below, we explore the key events, their implications, and what might come next.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Mark Joseph Carney OC is an economist and banker who served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 until 2013 and the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.
-
Douglas Robert Ford is a Canadian businessman and politician serving as the 26th premier of Ontario since June 29, 2018. He represents the riding of Etobicoke North.
-
Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
-
Ronald Wilson Reagan was an American film actor and politician who served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
-
Justin Pierre James Trudeau PC MP is a Canadian politician who has served as the 23rd prime minister of Canada since 2015 and has been the leader of the Liberal Party since 2013.
-
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
-
Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest c