Trump and Ontario premier trade insults amid trade war

The trade war between Canada and the United States, fueled by U.S. tariffs on its ally, devolved into a public war of insults between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Ford ignited the confrontation during a radio interview, stating Trump could kiss his "ass" following the U.S. president's announcement of a 50% tariff on Canadian automobiles, components, and steel, set to take effect in January 2027. The Ontario leader, whose province is a hub for Canada's auto industry, urged the use of "all tools" against Washington, including potentially restricting electricity and critical mineral exports to the U.S.

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kiss my ass

Trump responded via social media, labeling Ford a " " of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the "less charismatic, intelligent, and generally unimpressive" brother of the "late, great Rob Ford," who served as Toronto's mayor from 2010 to 2014. Doug Ford, leader of Ontario's Conservative Party, quickly retorted, calling Trump a "dictator," "tyrant," "king of bankruptcies," and "loser." "I've dealt with guys like you my whole life and, you know what? They all end up losers, because you are a loser," Ford declared to television cameras. He also threatened to impose surcharges on electrical exports and cut off critical mineral supplies to the United States.

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lacayo

Trump's reference to Rob Ford brought back memories of a controversial figure in recent Canadian politics. During his tenure as Toronto mayor, Rob Ford gained international notoriety in 2013 after admitting to smoking crack cocaine while intoxicated. This revelation followed months of controversy over a video allegedly showing him using the drug. Ford refused to resign despite scandals involving drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes, leading Toronto City Council to strip him of most executive powers. Rob Ford died of cancer in 2016. The relationship between Trump and Ford, whose policies have been labeled populist by political commentators, has not always been hostile. In November 2016, shortly after Trump's first presidential election victory, Ford stated he would have voted for the Republican despite his derogatory remarks about women and Mexicans. Three years later, in 2019, Ford again declared his support for Trump, saying, "God bless the president and let no one be mistaken. I am a big Republican, I am a supporter of his, conservative-minded." However, Trump's protectionist policies have led Ford to adopt a tougher stance.

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dictator