Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters Thursday that he hopes the Republican Party loses both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. Ford said the vote should serve as a warning to President Trump for what he described as an escalation of the trade dispute between the United States and Canada.
Ford’s criticism of Trump’s trade approach
“Hopefully, he’s going to lose the Senate. He’s going to lose Congress. I hope so, and hold him accountable,” Ford said, adding that Ontario will not interfere in the U.S. election. The premier accused Trump of trying to push Ontario businesses and jobs across the border, calling the president “not reliable at all” because he can change his mind on a deal at any moment.
Trump’s perspective on the tariffs
President Trump has framed the recent tariffs on Canadian dairy, motorcycles, alcoholic beverages and other goods as a necessary step to protect American farmers, manufacturers and consumers from what he calls unfair Canadian subsidies. The administration argues that the measures are intended to bring Canada back to the negotiating table and secure a more balanced trade relationship.
Recent trade actions and their impact
In recent weeks the United States banned several Canadian dairy products, motorcycles and most alcoholic beverages after Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect on roughly $20 billion in U.S. goods. The Trump administration also moved to remove Canadian products from large, long‑term U.S. government contracts. Ford noted that these actions have forced Canada to reduce its dependence on the United States, which he described as an unintended benefit.
Ford said, “The only two good things President Trump has ever done for Canada were that he woke us up and he united the country like I’ve never seen before.” He added that he believes Trump still wants to reach a deal before the midterms and that Canada should be ready to sit down at the negotiation table as soon as possible.
Canadian response
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the latest U.S. measures as “relatively modest” compared with earlier actions, noting that some of the new tariffs replace ones the Trump administration had previously removed. Carney said his government is still studying the impact of the measures and will weigh the consequences for Canadian companies and industries.
Political backdrop
The trade dispute has become a recurring point of contention between the two countries, with personal jabs exchanged by both leaders. Ford mocked Trump for keeping a portrait of former President Ronald Reagan on his desk while pursuing tariffs that Reagan opposed. In turn, Trump labeled Ford “the less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford.”
While Ford insists Ontario will not meddle in the U.S. election, his comments underscore how closely the trade conflict is tied to domestic politics on both sides of the border. As the midterm campaign heats up, the dispute may become a talking point for voters evaluating the Republican Party’s handling of international trade and economic policy.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
