Carney Apologizes to Trump Over Controversial Anti-Tariff Ad

UPDATE: Prime Minister Mark Carney has just confirmed that he apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump following backlash over an anti-tariff advertisement that aired in the United States last week. Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, Carney addressed reporters on Saturday, revealing the depth of the diplomatic fallout.

“I did apologize to the president. The president was offended by the ad, and it’s not something I would have done,” Carney stated, emphasizing his responsibility for maintaining the relationship with the U.S. “Things happen. We take the good with the bad, and I apologized to him.”

This urgent development comes after Trump disclosed during a flight on October 27, 2023, that Carney had apologized during their earlier meeting in Asia. Trump expressed, “I have a very good relationship. I like him (Carney) a lot,” indicating the complexity of their diplomatic ties.

The controversy erupted after the Ontario government released an advertisement featuring clips from a 1987 radio address by former President Ronald Reagan, discussing the importance of “free and fair trade.” Trump criticized the ad as “fake” and “egregious,” claiming it misrepresented Reagan’s views on tariffs. He announced a pause in trade talks with Carney, stating, “I don’t want to meet with him. No, I’m not going to be meeting with them (Canada) for a while.”

In response to the escalating tensions, Trump indicated he might impose an additional 10 percent tariff on top of existing levies, although he did not provide a timeline for when these tariffs would be enacted. “We’ll see,” Trump remarked when pressed for details.

The ad’s fallout has sparked a political firestorm, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford defending its release, arguing it “achieved” its goal despite the backlash. Ford admitted he had initially advised against airing the ad but later agreed to have it broadcast at least twice during World Series Championship coverage before ultimately deciding to pull it.

Support for Ford has emerged from other provincial leaders, including Wab Kinew of Manitoba, who asserted, “these ads are working.” British Columbia Premier David Eby is set to launch a similar ad campaign in the U.S., aiming to clarify the implications of Trump’s tariffs on trade.

As tensions escalate between Canada and the U.S., all eyes remain on the unfolding trade negotiations. The international community is keenly watching how these dynamics will affect economic relationships moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The diplomatic implications of Carney’s apology and Trump’s response could have lasting effects on U.S.-Canada relations.