Americas

Trump’s No. 1 Canadian Enemy: Doug Ford Relishes Antagonist Role

Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier, wears a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat as he arrives at a meeting of the premiers and prime minister in January.
Photographer: David Kawai/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Nojoud Al Mallees

October 24, 2025 at 4:16 PM UTC

Updated on

October 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM UTC

The premier of Canada’s most powerful province — and arguably the country’s most successful politician today — has gotten under Donald Trump’s skin again.

An anti-tariff ad launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government prompted Trump to lash out Thursday night, announcing all trade negotiations with Canada had been halted. The ad uses excerpts from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan, in which he defended free trade and criticized the idea tariffs lead to economic gains.