President Trump announced today that he is slapping an additional 10 percent tariff on Canadian imports after a government-funded Ontario ad ran during the World Series and, in his words, committed a “hostile” and misleading act against the United States. The move was announced publicly while the president was traveling and represents a clear, decisive response to what many Americans see as a lawless bit of political theater from our neighbor.
The advertisement in question used footage of former President Ronald Reagan discussing tariffs, a choice Trump blasted as fraudulent and manipulative — an attempt to gin up sympathy in American courts and public opinion as trade friction with Canada continues. Anger over the ad’s airing, and the perceived failure to pull it down quickly enough, prompted the White House to treat the broadcast as an unacceptable escalation.
The president reiterated his position on his own platform, calling Canada “caught, red handed” and insisting the U.S. will not be lectured or manipulated by allies when American jobs and national security are at stake. There remains uncertainty over the exact product list that will be hit by the new levy, but the message is unmistakable: America will not meekly accept acts that undermine its trade posture.
This action did not come out of the blue. Throughout 2025 the administration has reworked tariff policy and asserted broad authorities to protect American industries — measures that included reinstating tariffs on aluminum and adjusting ad valorem rates under presidential proclamations. The legal framework the administration has relied on to manage these national security and trade responses is on the books, and the White House has shown a willingness to use it.
Patriotic Americans should see this for what it is: leadership. Too often our so-called allies have treated U.S. consumers, manufacturers, and the rule of law as afterthoughts while lecturing Washington on virtue. When a foreign government or province runs a campaign that deliberately misrepresents American history to influence our courts and politics, toughness is not only warranted — it is necessary to defend working families and fair competition.
Make no mistake, Canada will feel the pain if this tariff stands, especially on goods that do not qualify for USMCA protections. While some categories remain exempt under the trade pact, the administration’s prior moves have already tightened the screws on non-USMCA goods and energy products, and further escalation will make clear that economic dependency is not a passport to impunity.
Washington’s leaders should rally behind the president’s firm stance rather than reflexively side with foreign governments and the coastal commentariat. This is about more than an ad; it is about sending a message that America will not be played for a fool and that our priorities — secure borders, strong industries, and fair trade — come first. Hardworking Americans expect and deserve a government that fights for them, and today the administration acted like it understands that responsibility.
