Ontario Premier Doug Ford made waves this week by announcing that he would seek to harm Americans in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s decision to level new tariffs on foreign-made cars. But critics say Ford’s threats do nothing to solve the real issue — the growing crisis along the northern border.
Ford told reporters his goal is to protect Canadians from the impact of U.S. policy. “We’re going to make sure that we inflict as much pain as possible to the American people without inflicting pain on the Canadian population,” he said. The premier made no mention of addressing the flood of illegal drugs or migrants crossing into the United States.
Holy Shit! Doug Ford just said it's his goal to inflict as much pain as possible on the American people.
This is absolutely insane. pic.twitter.com/lvcTF6BLFw
— govt.exe is corrupt (@govt_corrupt) March 27, 2025
The Trump administration’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on imported automobiles is part of a broader trade realignment set to begin April 3. Officials say the move is aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturing and holding foreign producers accountable for years of imbalanced trade.
Ford responded by threatening retaliation and mocking Trump’s signature phrase. “I know President Trump likes telling people ‘you’re fired.’ I didn’t think he meant auto workers in the U.S. when he said that,” Ford said.
Rather than focusing on border cooperation or trade reforms, Ford said he would meet with provincial leaders and industry executives to plan a coordinated strike. He also confirmed he spoke with Canada’s prime minister and encouraged him to go after U.S.-built cars in any national response.
Ford floated the idea of a tariff on electricity as well, though he said he would wait until April 2 to decide. He insisted that other provinces should not be hurt but made no similar pledge about American communities that rely on cross-border trade.
While he claimed to feel bad for the American people, Ford said it was President Trump who was responsible for the consequences. But his response focused entirely on retaliation — not solutions.
