A fresh confrontation has emerged between US President Donald Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford following the collapse of Canada US trade negotiations, with both leaders exchanging sharp personal criticism.
Ford strongly criticized Trump after the US president attacked him on his social media platform. The Ontario premier described Trump as a “dictator” and accused him of imposing tariffs that ultimately hurt American consumers. Ford also repeated his earlier remark telling Trump to “kiss my a–” during a press conference in Hamilton, Ontario.
Trump responded by attacking Ford personally, describing him as “Flunky Ford” and portraying him as a less impressive version of his late brother, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.
The US president also repeated his argument that Canada depends heavily on the United States and would struggle without its southern neighbour. He again referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as “Governor Carney,” reflecting his previous comments suggesting that Canada should become the 51st US state.
Ford responded forcefully, saying he would not accept advice from someone he characterized as a serial bankrupt who was imposing tariffs and effectively taxing his own citizens. He compared Trump’s behaviour to that of someone who would bully others and take their belongings at school.
The dispute also moved beyond personal insults as Ford threatened to introduce an export tariff on electricity supplied by Ontario to approximately 1.5 million homes and businesses in Michigan, New York and Minnesota.
Ford further highlighted Canada’s importance to US energy supplies, pointing out that Alberta sends roughly 4.1 million barrels of oil per day to the United States.
The exchange reflects the rapidly deteriorating relationship between Canadian and US officials after trade negotiations failed, with both sides increasingly considering retaliatory economic measures.
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