Doug Ford is running ads in the US media with Ronald Reagan warning about tariffs

Yes — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has launched a major U.S. advertising campaign that features former President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 anti-tariff remarks. The campaign seeks to influence American public opinion, especially among Republican viewers, against the tariffs recently imposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods.

Campaign details

• The ad uses audio clips of Ronald Reagan warning that high tariffs lead to retaliation, trade wars, and job losses — words originally broadcast in a 1987 radio address.youtube​ctvnews​

• Reagan’s voice is overlaid with images of North American workers and families, drawing parallels between the 1980s free-trade movement and current trade tensions.ctvnews​

• Premier Ford has described Reagan as his “favorite American president” and said Republicans will instantly recognize and trust his message.qpbriefing+1​

• The province is spending about $75 million CAD on the ad buy, airing it on most major U.S. networks, particularly in Republican-leaning districts.yoursunsetcountry+1​

Political and economic context

The ad is part of Ford’s broader strategy to counteract the economic impacts of U.S. tariffs on Ontario exports. His government argues that tariffs hurt both sides of the border by raising prices for U.S. consumers and stifling trade growth.ctvnews+1​

Ontario has already spent billions to support industries affected by trade friction and continues to promote cross-border cooperation as essential to economic stability.yoursunsetcountry​

In short, Ford’s anti-tariff message is being broadcast across the U.S. using Reagan’s own words to appeal directly to conservative audiences and to challenge President Trump’s trade policy.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umMYcULObho
2. https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/doug-ford-says-ontario-spending-75m-to-run-anti-tariff-ads-in-us-featuring-clips-of-reagan/
3. https://www.qpbriefing.com/news/ontario-running-usd75m-anti-tariff-ads-in-u-s-aimed-at-republicans
4. https://yoursunsetcountry.ca/ford-turns-to-former-republican-president-in-ongoing-fight-against-u-s-trade-tariffs/
5. https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/stay-tuned-robertson-says-feds-in-active-talks-on-lowering-development-charges-as-they-announce-283m-to-support-toronto-housing-infrastructure/
6. https://globalnews.ca/news/11477482/doug-ford-ev-tariff-response-canola/
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7anYvE5oP4M
8. https://www.reddit.com/r/CanadaPolitics/comments/1o6sbi6/doug_ford_says_ontario_running_75_million/
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/1o6tjoq/ford_unveils_new_ad_aimed_at_americans_over/
10. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/14/china-us-world-economy-trump-tariffs