California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a “man child” after Trump announced an increase in tariffs on Canada. The move came in response to an ad campaign from the Ontario government featuring a clip of former President Ronald Reagan.
In a post on X, Newsom shared a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social message and wrote, “The man child in the Oval got his feelings hurt, so he is punishing the American people with higher costs.”
Trump’s post accused Canada of airing a “fraudulent advertisement” that misrepresented Reagan’s views on tariffs. “Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t!” Trump wrote. “Their advertisement was to be taken down IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD.”
Trump continued, “Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now.”
The man child in the Oval got his feelings hurt, so he is punishing the American people with higher costs. pic.twitter.com/VmAdfOEMY7
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 25, 2025
The ad, funded through a $75 million campaign by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government, aired on television earlier this week. Former President Trump had already condemned the spot on Thursday, calling it “fake” and claiming it was designed “to interfere with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, and other courts.”
In response to the advertisement, Trump announced that he was suspending trade talks with Canada, the United States’ second-largest trading partner. He had previously taken a similar step in June.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation also criticized the ad, arguing that it misrepresents Reagan’s original remarks and noting that Ontario did not seek permission to use the footage.
The advertisement includes edited excerpts from Reagan’s five-minute address, rearranging the order of his statements but not altering his words. Despite the reordering, Reagan’s underlying message—a defense of free trade and opposition to high tariffs—remained intact.
It’s official: Ontario’s new advertising campaign in the U.S. has launched.
Using every tool we have, we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada. The way to prosperity is by working together.
Watch our new ad. pic.twitter.com/SgIVC1cqMJ
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 16, 2025
Despite Trump’s condemnation on Thursday, the ad aired during Game 1 of the World Series on Friday evening, in which the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A spokesperson for Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CNN on Friday that the advertisement would be paused starting Monday.
In July, Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 percent to 35 percent, with some sectors—such as metals—facing rates as high as 50 percent.
While many products remain exempt under existing free trade agreements, it remains unclear which goods would be subject to the additional 10 percent tariff announced Friday.
GOOD SHIT!