Ford renews ’kiss my ass’ comment to Trump in response to Canada-U.S. trade war

Ford, joined Monday by Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, vowed to protect the "jobs and paycheques" of Ontario workers in response to the Canada-U.S. trade war.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Evan Mitsui

Alina Snisarenko (new window) · CBC News« kiss my ass »

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. President Donald Trump a dictator and said he can while speaking at a news conference in Hamilton Monday as the fallout of the Canada-U.S. trade war continues.

Fifty per cent U.S. tariffs on about $28-billion worth of Canadians goods came into effect early Saturday. Prime Minister Mark Carney said retaliatory, dollar-for-dollar tariffs will hit the U.S. Sept. 8.

Ford, joined Monday by Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, vowed to protect the jobs and paycheques of Ontario workers.

When asked about retaliation measures, he said everything is on the table.

Ford previously told The Associated Press Monday that he was willing to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. as the trade war drags on. Ontario sends power to about 1.5 million people in Michigan, New York and Minnesota.

I don't respond to a dictator like President Trump, Ford said at Monday's news conference. 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 also called Trump the king of bankruptcies.

Trump attacks Ford, promises new tariffs

Following Ford's comments, Trump attacked the premier in a post to Truth Social (new window), calling him Flunky Ford and the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of Rob Ford.

Trump had already escalated the trade war in an earlier post to Truth Social Monday (new window), which slammed Canada for ripping off the United States and announced that starting Jan. 1, 2027, the U.S. will increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles, car parts and steel to 50 per cent.

Currently, the levy on Canadian steel is already 50 per cent, while the levy on car parts and automobiles is 25, according to the Canadian government's website (new window).

Prior to Monday's news conference, Ford had already told Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010 the U.S. president can kiss my ass, in response to Trump's latest tariff threats.

We need to throw everything in the kitchen sink at them. He's arrogant. He's cocky, he said in the interview.

Ford and other premiers have largely backed Carney's decision to reject the trade deal.

WATCH | Ford voices support for Carney's decision to walk away from trade deal:

Premier Ford says suspended trade talks avoided a 'bad deal' for steel, auto sectors

Ontario Premier Doug Ford slammed the proposed trade agreement with the United States as a 'bad deal' for the province's steel and auto sectors. Ford said he supports Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to suspend negotiations and that the province will help workers and businesses who now face a 50% tariff from the U.S.

Canada negotiated in good faith: expert

Daniel Tisch, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said tariff retaliation from Canada has to be surgical, such as targeting American products that have a clear Canadian alternative readily available.

The reality is the Canadian government negotiated with a good faith that was not returned, Tisch told CBC Radio's Metro Morning Monday.

We're dealing with somebody in the White House who doesn't believe in win-win outcomes. But at the same time, that's the foundation, as we know, of every business relationship, he said.

Despite the failed trade deal, Tisch said he is optimistic Canada will get through this dark time, noting that Canada, including Ontario, has led the U.S. in job growth and unlike some dire predictions, the country's economy didn't enter a recession.

I still like our odds and I still believe that with the right collaboration between business and government we can actually make a positive difference.