Ontario Premier Doug Ford said U.S. President Donald Trump can “kiss my ass” following threats of new tariffs on Canadian automobiles and steel.
The dispute threatens the economic stability of Ontario's automotive sector, which relies heavily on cross-border trade with the United States.
Ford made the comments on Monday, Aug. 24, during an interview on the Bill Carroll Show on Newstalk 1010 [1, 2]. The remarks came just before 10 a.m. [1] as the premier reacted to the administration's proposed trade measures.
President Trump announced a plan to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, and steel [4, 5]. These tariffs could potentially reach as high as 50% [5].
“Well, he can kiss my ass as far as I'm concerned,” Ford said [1].
The premier's blunt language marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric between the provincial leader and the U.S. president. The automotive industry is a primary economic driver for Ontario, and the threat of 50% [5] duties could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for consumers.
Ford said, “He can kiss my ass” [3].
The tension comes as Canada navigates a volatile trade environment with its largest partner. While the federal government typically handles international trade negotiations, the provincial government in Ontario remains highly sensitive to any policy that impacts the manufacturing hubs within its borders.
““Well, he can kiss my ass as far as I'm concerned,” Ford said.”
The clash highlights the vulnerability of the Canadian automotive industry to U.S. trade policy. Because Ontario is the heart of Canada's vehicle manufacturing, any significant tariff increase acts as a direct threat to provincial employment and GDP, prompting the premier to adopt a confrontational public stance to signal that such measures are unacceptable.
