Ontario's recent anti-tariff advertisements, which referenced a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan on the benefits of free trade, have drawn sharp criticism from President Donald Trump. Despite the backlash, Premier Doug Ford is unlikely to be swayed by Trump's vitriol, even as the ads may have contributed to stalled Canada-U.S. trade negotiations. Ontario announced it would soon withdraw the ads following Ford's conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The ads, which cost $75 million, aimed to convey a message that tariffs ultimately harm consumers and workers. Reagan's original message emphasized that while tariffs may seem patriotic, they can have detrimental long-term effects. He stated, "When someone says ‘let’s impose tariffs on foreign imports’, it looks like they’re doing the patriotic thing by protecting American products and jobs. But over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer."

Canada has been trying to communicate this message to Americans since Trump took office again. However, the ads may have misjudged their audience. A recent Gallup poll indicated that 41% of Republicans view Reagan as the best president of the last 40 years, while only 37% chose Trump. Despite Reagan's enduring popularity, a Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 88% of registered Republican voters approve of Trump's economic performance.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute criticized Ontario for allegedly editing Reagan's speech without permission and stated it was considering legal action. This raised questions about the foundation's authority over the speech, as presidential foundations do not hold copyright over their namesakes' public addresses. Trump's response to the ads was to claim that Reagan supported tariffs, a statement that contradicts Reagan's established views on free trade.

Trump's reaction has been characterized as a typical response, lacking concern for Reagan's legacy. In defending Reagan, Trump inadvertently insulted him by misrepresenting his stance on tariffs. The two presidents have fundamentally different views on economic policy, with Trump often disregarding traditional political norms.

Ford's attempt to challenge Trump on issues of hypocrisy and economic policy may not resonate, as Trump's supporters appear unfazed by such criticisms. Ford himself has faced scrutiny for his own policies, including promises to end corporate welfare while continuing to provide financial support to businesses. As Ontarians grapple with issues like healthcare and education, Ford's approach may be tested.

In a landscape where traditional political arguments about hypocrisy and economic policy seem ineffective, Ford's ads may have missed the mark. The attempt to invoke Reagan's legacy in a contemporary context may not have the desired impact on Republican voters, who have shifted their economic preferences in recent years. Ford may need to reconsider his strategy as he navigates the complexities of provincial and national politics.