Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his stance towards U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump could “kiss my ass” amid a heated exchange between the two leaders. Trump, in turn, referred to Ford as “Flunky Ford” and criticized him as the “less charismatic, intelligent” version of his late brother, Rob Ford.
The insults are part of the ongoing fallout from the Canada-U.S. trade war, reignited after failed trade negotiations over the weekend. The implementation of 50% U.S. tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods took effect early Saturday. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. starting on September 8.
Ford initially made the controversial remark on a Toronto radio station, standing firm against the U.S. president’s tariff threats. He later reiterated his stance during a news conference in Hamilton, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding the jobs and incomes of Ontario workers, alongside Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy.
Trump swiftly responded to Ford’s comments on Truth Social, dismissing them as “bluster” and branding both Ford and Carney as “clowns” and inadequate leaders. Ford, when questioned by a CBC reporter about the post, declined to engage further, labeling Trump as a “dictator” and criticizing his past bankruptcies.
During the news conference, Ford hinted at considering various retaliation measures, including potentially cutting off electricity and critical minerals supply to the U.S., which could impact around 1.5 million people in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
In a separate move, Trump announced via Truth Social an increase in tariffs on Canadian automobiles, car parts, and steel to 50% effective January 1, 2027. Ford voiced his support for Carney’s decision to halt the trade negotiations, a sentiment echoed by other provincial leaders.
Opposition parties, including the Ontario NDP and Liberals, urged Ford to reconvene the legislature urgently to address the impact of the U.S. tariffs. They called for decisive actions, such as canceling government contracts with U.S. businesses and halting agreements that favor American companies.
Ford called for support from the federal government to navigate the economic challenges posed by the trade war. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across all levels of government and suggested specific measures to mitigate the trade war’s effects, including regulatory changes and sector-specific investments.
Daniel Tisch, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of targeted and strategic tariff retaliation by Canada. Despite the setback in trade negotiations, Tisch remained optimistic about Canada’s resilience and the potential for constructive collaboration between businesses and government to overcome the current challenges.
