A heated exchange has erupted between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford as the trade dispute between the United States and Canada intensifies. Ford directly told Trump twice that he could "kiss my a--," labeling the U.S. president a "bully."
Trump declared on Monday that he would increase tariffs on cars, steel, and other goods to 50% in January. This announcement followed tariffs of 50% imposed on Saturday after trade negotiations between the two countries broke down. Trump stated on his social media account that Canada has been "ripping off the United States of America for years" and asserted that "WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!"
In response, the Canadian Ministry of Finance announced that officials would visit a local business on Tuesday to hold a press conference detailing new measures to support Canadian workers and businesses during the ongoing trade challenges. Canadian media reported that these measures would include retaliatory tariffs.
Earlier, on Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade negotiations with the U.S., citing what he described as "last-minute" changes to the proposed deal. Carney vowed to retaliate "dollar for dollar" for any tariffs imposed, stating that the changes made by the U.S. were "unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of any deal."
Following the latest round of tariffs, Carney stated it was not a surprise but emphasized that the U.S. needed to approach negotiations with the "right attitude," asserting that Canada is not a subsidiary of the United States. He added that such conditions would constrain Canada's ability to sign trade deals with other nations.
Canadian premiers have publicly supported Carney. Ontario's Ford stated that Canada would not "roll over," while British Columbia's David Eby told CNN that Canada "has to hit back."
During a Monday morning radio appearance, Ford suggested that Canada should "throw everything and the kitchen sink" at Trump. Later, when asked about his comments and whether he had been asked to moderate his tone, Ford reiterated his stance, saying, "I have a lot of real estate on my a--, so he has a lot of room to kiss my a--." He also called Trump a "loser" and stated he would fight with all of Canada's resources.
Trump later responded on social media, criticizing the "bluster" from Ford and Carney, and declared that the U.S. "has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer." He warned that "Someone should get these clowns to “fall in line” or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE!"