In a dramatic escalation of cross-border tensions, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has once again locked horns with former U.S. President Donald Trump—this time over sweeping American tariffs that are hammering Ontario’s auto and steel sectors. What began as a policy dispute has morphed into a high-stakes political spectacle, with Ford deploying bold, media-savvy tactics that seem tailor-made to get under Trump’s skin.
Doug Ford’s Provocative Playbook
Ford, the conservative premier of Canada’s most populous province, has built a reputation for theatrical defiance. Recently, he launched a $2 million ad campaign across Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—key swing states in the 2024 U.S. election—featuring a deepfake-style video of Ronald Reagan warning against protectionism. The ad, which never mentions Trump by name, ends with the tagline: “Don’t let tariffs steal your neighbor’s lunch.”
Trump responded on Truth Social within hours, calling Ford a “puppet of Trudeau” and vowing to “crush Ontario’s exports if they keep playing games.” But analysts say Ford’s real target isn’t Trump—it’s American voters and manufacturers who rely on seamless supply chains with Canada.
Why This Trade Spat Matters
The conflict centers on new U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and auto parts—measures Trump championed during his presidency and that have resurfaced in campaign rhetoric for 2026. Ontario, home to over 70% of Canada’s auto assembly plants, has seen factory slowdowns and layoffs as a result.
According to Statistics Canada, Ontario’s exports to the U.S. dropped 12% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year, with the auto sector hit hardest. Ford argues these tariffs hurt American workers just as much as Canadians, given the deeply integrated nature of North American manufacturing.
Doug Ford’s Strategy: Media, Not Just Policy
Unlike traditional Canadian leaders who favor quiet diplomacy, Ford leans into confrontation—and cameras. His team has organized factory tours for U.S. journalists, invited American union leaders to press conferences in Windsor, and even floated the idea of restricting electricity exports to upstate New York.
“He’s not just fighting tariffs—he’s fighting for attention,” said Dr. Lena Cho, a trade policy expert at the University of Toronto. “In the age of viral politics, Ford understands that optics can shift narratives faster than WTO filings.”
Public Opinion on Both Sides
| Region | Support for Tariffs | View of Doug Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rust Belt U.S. (MI, OH, PA) | 48% support, but 61% worry about job losses | 52% see him as “standing up for workers” |
| Ontario, Canada | 92% oppose U.S. tariffs | 67% approve of Ford’s response |
What Comes Next?
With U.S. election season heating up, experts warn the rhetoric could intensify. Ford has hinted at retaliatory measures, including preferential procurement for non-U.S. suppliers in Ontario infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has distanced itself from Trump’s tariff talk but hasn’t moved to roll back existing duties.
One thing is clear: Doug Ford has turned a regional trade issue into a transnational political drama—and he’s betting that boldness pays off, both at home and across the border.
