Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Saturday that he apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over a controversial Ontario government advertisement that used Ronald Reagan’s words to criticize Trump’s trade policies, according to Reuters.

Speaking to reporters after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Carney said, “I did apologize,” adding that Trump “was offended” by the commercial. He clarified that the ad was “not something I would have done” and said he told Ontario Premier Doug Ford he did not want the spot to air.

Fallout From Ontario’s Trade Ad

Mark Carney meeting with Donald Trump at the White House last May 6, 2025.

The television commercial, which aired during the World Series, used clips of former President Reagan’s 1987 speech on trade to criticize Trump’s tariff policies. The ad’s rearranged quotes warned that “trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer,” a message that infuriated Trump, who accused Canada of “egregious behavior” and of trying to “interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.” The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case next month challenging Trump’s tariffs, according to CNN.

In response to the ad, Trump suspended ongoing trade talks with Canada, one of America’s largest trading partners, and told reporters aboard Air Force One that while he and Carney maintain a “very good relationship,” the commercial was “very false.”

A Strained Diplomatic Moment

Carney emphasized that the federal government had no involvement in the advertisement, describing it as a provincial initiative by Ford’s administration. Ontario officials later said the campaign was meant to highlight the risks of protectionist policies to North American industries, though critics said it undermined Canada’s diplomatic stance.

Despite the controversy, Carney said his meeting with Trump was cordial and described the discussion as “very constructive.” Analysts told The Guardian that the incident underscores how trade relations between Ottawa and Washington remain fragile, especially as both countries navigate shifting domestic politics and trade priorities.