Ford vs Trump: Ontario Premier Fires Back in Trade War

Ford vs. Trump: Ontario premier fires back amid escalating trade war

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a blistering personal attack on United States President Donald Trump on Monday, telling him to "bring it on, buddy" and suggesting the president is a "loser" who will face consequences in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The exchange marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war, with Ford vowing to use "every tool in our toolbox" to fight back against American tariffs.

Tags: Doug Ford, Donald Trump, trade war, Canada-U.S. tariffs, Ontario, Team Canada, Mark Carney, midterm elections, electricity surcharge, retaliation

Trump's opening salvo: "Flunky Ford" post lands mid-press conference

The war of words began Monday afternoon when Trump took to his Truth Social platform around 2 p.m., accusing Ford of "bluster" in trade talks and dismissing him as a "flunky." In the post, Trump referred to the Ontario premier as "the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford," a reference to the former Toronto mayor who died in 2016.

Trump's post landed while Ford was already addressing reporters, and the premier did not hold back in his response. Speaking from Hamilton, Ford dismissed the personal attack with characteristic bravado, telling reporters he has "a skin on me like an alligator" and that insults from the president do not hurt him.

"I've been in this game a lot longer than he has," Ford said. "You think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy. I'm ready. Bring it on. I've dealt with guys like you my whole life, and guess what? You all become losers because you're a loser."

"Kiss my ass": Ford's colourful response draws attention

Ford's most memorable line came earlier in the day during an appearance on Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010, where he first made the "kiss my ass" comment before reiterating it at the Hamilton news conference. The premier, known for his plain-spoken style, suggested Trump has "a lot of room" to kiss his backside, adding, "I'm a big dude. What can I say?"

Ford framed his remarks as a refusal to be intimidated by what he called a "dictator" and a "bully." He compared Trump to a schoolyard tormentor, saying the president is "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."

The premier also took aim at Trump's business record, noting, "I'm not going to take any advice off a guy that's the king of bankruptcies. He's actually tariffing his own people, taxing his own people."

Trade war context: Tariffs now in place, retaliation coming

The personal insults come against a backdrop of serious economic conflict. Trade talks between the U.S. and Canada collapsed late Friday night (Aug. 21), and the U.S. imposed 50 per cent tariffs on nearly US$20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday (Aug. 22). The affected goods include honey, hockey sticks and flower bulbs, according to Global News and Canadian Press reporting.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking from the Parliament building in Ottawa on Aug. 22, promised dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs that are scheduled to hit the U.S. on Sept. 8, according to Canadian Press reporting. Carney also referenced U.S. demands including conditions on Canada's trade relationships with other nations, which Canada has rejected.

Ford said Carney has his "full support" in the federal response, emphasising the importance of a united Canadian front. "It's about Team Canada," the premier said. "We'll see how this goes but he wants to put pain on Canadians, we'll leverage every bit of pain we possibly can on Americans."

Electricity surcharge threat looms over U.S. states

Ford reiterated Ontario's willingness to impose an electricity export surcharge on U.S. states, a threat the province has made before in this trade conflict. Ontario electricity powers roughly one million homes in Michigan, and the province has previously targeted Michigan, New York and Minnesota with the surcharge threat.

"We'll use every tool in our toolbox, then we'll see if President Trump says, 'Do I need Canada?'" Ford said. "Watch how he does cartwheels and he shouts and screams when we put the surcharge on. As a matter of fact, I can't wait — I cannot wait."

The premier made no secret of his personal feelings toward the president, stating plainly, "Let's be clear: I don't like the guy. Simple." He was joined at the Hamilton news conference by Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, underscoring the provincial government's focus on protecting Ontario jobs.

Midterm elections: Ford hints at political interference

Ford suggested that American voters will deliver their own verdict on Trump in the U.S. midterm elections this fall, and he hinted he would like to play a role in ensuring Republican losses. "You know your own people, President Trump, don't even like you. And they're going to speak loud and clear when it comes to the midterms," Ford said.

"And if I was allowed to, I'd be down there door-knocking." The premier noted that Americans have been reaching out to him directly, saying, "There's a lot of people in the U.S. that are calling me saying, 'Way to go, keep going.'"

Ford also claimed he has "more courage, more brains in my baby toe than he has in his whole body," and dismissed Trump's attacks as ineffective. "I'm not going to take the bait. This guy's a loser, he's going to be a loser, simple as that. We're going to fight with everything we have."

What comes next: Retaliation and further tariff threats

Canada's dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs are scheduled to come into force on Sept. 8, targeting American goods in response to the U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. The trade war, which has been ongoing for roughly a year and a half, has seen waxing and waning tariffs on both sides of the border.

Trump has threatened further tariffs on the auto and steel sectors that could come into play on Jan. 1, 2027, according to Canadian Press reporting. Such measures would have significant implications for Ontario's manufacturing sector, which is deeply integrated with U.S. supply chains.

Ford's message to Ontario workers was one of resolve, vowing to protect the "jobs and paycheques" of the province's residents. The premier's combative stance reflects a broader Canadian strategy of pushing back against U.S. pressure while maintaining that Canada remains open to negotiation — on acceptable terms.

As the Sept. 8 retaliation date approaches, Canadians will be watching closely to see whether this war of words escalates further or gives way to renewed diplomacy. For now, Ford has made his position clear: Ontario will not back down, and the premier is ready for whatever comes next.

By Alex Thompson, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on sources cited in the article.