Ford was caught on video saying he was '100% happy' about Trump's election—until the tariff threat
Ontario suspended retaliatory steps against U.S. tariffs Monday after Trump delayed them for 30 days.
PC Leader Doug Ford was caught on tape following a press conference Monday indicating he was pleased that President Donald Trump had won the most recent U.S. election until Trump replied with trade threats that may severely affect Ontario's economy.
"On election day, was I delighted that this guy won? "I was 100 per cent sure," Ford claimed. "But then the guy pulled out the knife and f--king yanked it into us."
Trump did not threaten Canada with 25% tariffs until weeks after his election victory while being open about his plan to utilize tariffs as part of his economic policy.
When queried about the statements on Monday, a PC Party official alluded to Ford's statement moments earlier at the same news conference, stating that he is "absolutely not" a Trump supporter any longer.
"It is just so disappointing. "I'm sure millions of Canadians thought 'OK, this might be a good change down in the U.S.' — [but] it's been a disaster," Ford added. "I will never support that guy in my life.
"He comes up and stabs you right in the heart. Forget it. We are meant to be his closest buddies and friends. "It's terrible."
Ford's views on Trump have varied over time. In 2016, before becoming Ontario's premier, he told a journalist that he would have voted for him if he were American.
Then, in 2019, while on a trip to the United States, he defined himself as a strong Republican and Trump fan but also expressed concerns about US protectionism.
After news surfaced late Monday afternoon that proposed US tariffs would be halted for 30 days to allow for more negotiations, Ford indicated he would postpone retaliatory actions in Ontario.
"We've got some excellent news today. We have temporarily averted tariffs that would have severely hurt our economy, giving time for additional negotiation and cooler heads to prevail," he said.
"With the United States halting tariffs, Ontario will likewise halt its retaliatory measures. If President Trump imposes tariffs, we will not hesitate to remove American products from LCBO shelves or prohibit American companies from provincial procurement," he added.
Ford's administration also confirmed that the $100 million arrangement with Elon Musk's Starlink, struck late last year, would continue for now.
He then emphasized that Canada and the United States should remain focused on "the real trade war we're fighting with China."