Doug Ford: Trump’s Trade War is a Punch in the Face to Canada
Washington — President Trump’s trade war with Canada is driving prices up for Americans, contrary to his campaign promises of lower costs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared in a recent interview.
This week, Trump announced a staggering 50% tariff on various Canadian goods, including hockey sticks and alcohol, compounding existing tariffs already imposed. In retaliation, Canada rescinded invitations to U.S. officials for the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Ford emphasized that Canadians have a strong affinity for Americans but criticized Trump’s aggressive stance against Canada, a close ally and trading partner. Just before Ford's interview, Trump took to Truth Social to lambast Canada over trade issues and the bridge deal.
"We didn't start this trade war," Ford asserted during his conversation with CBS News senior correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
"President Trump decided to go after his close ally and friend, his No. 1 customer in the entire world. And yes, the U.S. is our No. 1 customer. It's unnecessary. We have to make sure that there's certainty that will create jobs and opportunities and production and lower cost of goods. Well, that was the total opposite," Ford stated.
Trump campaigned on lowering costs, yet Ford pointed out that prices are rising instead. He lamented the lack of certainty in both nations due to Trump's actions against Canada.
The Gordie Howe Bridge, funded by Canada, is set to officially open Monday. The U.S. will collect half of the toll revenues for the first 15 years after construction debts are settled. Ford noted that this bridge will generate jobs "on both sides of the border."
"We have over probably $52 billion U.S. going back and forth in trade, two-way trade," he said. "It's going to give an opportunity to create tens of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border."
Trump's new tariffs are scheduled to take effect in late August, impacting nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including down feathers, hockey equipment, milk, honey, and alcohol. The Trump administration claims these levies respond to Canada's retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs from last year.
Ford admitted he has not yet seen the full list of Canadian goods that will be affected by the upcoming tariffs.
"But I've told the prime minister, dollar for dollar, tariff for tariff, and who does that hurt?" he questioned. "It hurts the population of the United States, hurts the population in Canada and in Ontario. This does not work. Protectionism does not work anywhere in the world. We're the two greatest countries in the world, the largest open border in the world, two closest allies. And we didn't start this war. President Trump decided to economically attack Canada."
When asked why not de-escalate the situation, Ford responded with a stark analogy.
"When someone comes up and punches you in the face, not once, not twice, 10 times, you have to stand up to that person," he said. "Someone in the schoolyard wants to take your lunch money, you're going to fight back. And I've encouraged the prime minister to fight back."
