Ontario Premier Doug Ford stood firm in his rebuke of U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that Trump could “kiss my behind” as tensions escalated between the two leaders. Trump, in turn, referred to Ford as “Flunky Ford,” portraying him as a lesser version of his late brother Rob Ford.
These verbal jabs come amidst the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war, reignited after failed trade negotiations over the weekend. The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, effective early Saturday. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs matching the U.S. tariffs, set to take effect on September 8.
Ford’s initial comment was made during an interview with Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010, where he dismissed Trump’s tariff threats with the same sentiment. He later reiterated his stance at a news conference in Hamilton, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding Ontario workers’ jobs and incomes, alongside Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy.
In a social media post on Truth Social during Ford’s news conference, Trump dismissed Ford’s remarks as mere bravado, labeling both Ford and Carney as “clowns” and incompetent leaders. Ford, in response to a query from a CBC reporter, declined to engage with “a dictator like President Trump,” likening him to a schoolyard bully.
Ford emphasized that all options were open for retaliation measures, including potentially cutting off electricity and essential minerals to the U.S. as the trade conflict persisted. Ontario currently supplies power to about 1.5 million individuals in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
Prior to Trump’s online attack on Ford, the U.S. president announced via Truth Social his intention to raise tariffs on Canadian automobiles, car parts, and steel to 50% starting January 1, 2027. The current tariffs on Canadian steel stand at 50%, while car parts and automobiles face a 25% levy, as per the Canadian government’s official website.
Ford voiced support for Carney’s decision to suspend trade talks, emphasizing the detrimental impact a potential trade agreement would have on Ontario’s steel and auto sectors. He underscored the province’s commitment to aiding affected workers and businesses facing the 50% U.S. tariffs.
Amidst mounting pressure, opposition parties in Ontario urged Ford to reconvene the legislature promptly to address the urgent need for relief from U.S. tariffs. The Ontario NDP and Liberals demanded immediate action to counter Trump’s tariffs, proposing various retaliatory steps to shield Canadian interests.
Ford called for solidarity among all levels of government to navigate the economic challenges posed by the trade war, urging federal authorities to provide substantial support and regulatory modifications. He outlined specific requests, including exemptions for tariff-affected sectors from federal emissions standards and significant investments in key industries.
Looking ahead, Canada’s response to protect its workers and industries is anticipated to be announced soon, as indicated by Minister of Canada-U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc. Despite the setbacks, industry expert Daniel Tisch expressed optimism, advocating for targeted retaliatory measures to weather the current trade tensions successfully.