President Trump, Ontario Premier Ford trade insults after Canada-US talks collapse

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and Ontario Premier Doug Ford traded sharp insults Monday (local time) as tensions escalated between the United States and Canada amid the collapse of bilateral trade talks.

According to Canadian broadcaster CBC, Ford doubled down on his earlier remark against Trump in response to the US president’s tariff threats.

Trump hit back in a lengthy Truth Social post, calling Ford the “less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother” of the late Rob Ford and accusing Canada of taking advantage of the United States.

“Lots of ‘bluster’ from Doug Ford, who is the Premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, but who is better known as the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford,” Trump said.

“America has been carrying Canada for decades, but no longer! The U.S.A. will always be far bigger, richer, and stronger than Canada. Without the United States, Canada couldn’t survive — It’s where they get all of their money and, because of their current bad leadership, primarily Governor Carney, and his Flunky, Ford, they will not be allowed to keep taking advantage of the United States — Their key to survival,” Trump said.

Trump also warned Canada over its energy ties with the US. “Remember, much of the Electricity, Oil, and Gas that Canada gets is transported through the U.S.A. Someone should get these clowns to ‘fall in line’ or the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE!” he said.

Trump further claimed that Canada’s unemployment rate was “now at 10%, and rapidly rising,” and accused Canadian businesses of moving to the United States. “The days of ripping off our Farmers, and other Businesses, are OVER!” Trump said.

According to CBC, Ford responded to Trump’s post by saying he would not take advice from “a dictator like President Trump.”

Doug Ford: “I can go back and forth with Trump. You know, I’m not going to, I’m just not going to take the bait. This guy’s a loser. He’s going to be a loser. And you know something? I have more courage, more brains in my baby toe than he has in his whole body.” pic.twitter.com/JxTvLbg6CI

— Scott Robertson (@sarobertson_) August 24, 2026

“He’s the type of guy in school that would take your lunch money one day, take your toque off your head the next day and then steal your running shoes,” Ford said. “I’m not going to take any advice from a guy that’s the king of bankruptcies.”

The latest exchange came after trade talks between Washington and Ottawa collapsed over the weekend. Fifty per cent US tariffs on about US 28 billion worth of Canadian goods took effect early Saturday(local time), while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said retaliatory, dollar-for-dollar tariffs will take effect on September 8, according to CBC.

Trump also announced on Monday (local time) that tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel imports will rise to 50 per cent from January 2027. “Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years,” Trump said in a separate Truth Social post, accusing Ottawa of imposing high tariffs on American farmers and agricultural products.

“On January First, 2027, Tariffs on all Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel, will be increased to 50%. Build in the U.S. and there are ZERO TARIFFS. Canada will be treated like a State no longer!”

According to CBC, Ford said Carney has his “full support” in walking away from the trade negotiations and said “everything is on the table” when it comes to retaliation.

Earlier on Monday (local time), as per CBC, Ford told Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010, “We need to throw everything in the kitchen sink at them. He’s arrogant. He’s cocky.” According to CBC, Ontario’s NDP and Liberals also urged Ford to recall the legislature to address the impact of US tariffs. (ANI)