Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharply escalated his attacks on President Donald Trump amid a widening tariff dispute between the United States and Canada. Ford responded to Trump's threat of new tariffs on Canadian autos, auto parts, and steel by stating, "He can kiss my a– as far as I’m concerned. We’re going to go at him full steam, and we buy 400% more cars than anyone in the world."

Trump, who had previously mocked Ford as less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive than his late brother, former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, made the comments in an interview with Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010. Ford, at times referred to as "Captain Canada," has become one of the country's most vocal critics of Trump's trade threats.

The current trade rift involves two main tracks. New U.S. tariffs of 50% on certain Canadian goods took effect on August 22, with Canada expected to retaliate on September 8. Additionally, Trump has threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian autos and auto parts to 50% starting January 1, 2027.

Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that "America has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer!" He claimed the U.S. is far larger, richer, and stronger than Canada, and that without the United States, Canada could not survive. He further stated that Canada "will not be allowed to keep taking advantage of the United States" due to what he described as current bad leadership from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ford.

Trump also alleged that Canada imposes tariffs of 400% or more on U.S. farmers and expressed his intention to end what he considers unfair trade treatment of American companies and producers. He further suggested economic pressure, noting that much of Canada's electricity, oil, and gas is transported through the U.S., and called for Canada to "fall in line."

Beyond tariffs, Trump also floated a proposal to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America."

The trade tensions trace back to late 2024 when Trump initially threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and humorously suggested Canada could become the 51st state during a meeting with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Fox News Digital reached out to Ford for comment.