Ontario premier Doug Ford launched a profane public attack on President Donald Trump, telling a Toronto radio station on Monday that Trump "can kiss my a–", as the US-Canada trade dispute intensified sharply. The exchange follows Trump's threat to impose new 50% tariffs on Canadian autos, auto parts and steel, and comes after Trump mocked Ford by unfavourably comparing him to his late brother, disgraced former Toronto mayor Rob Ford. The row underscores a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the two countries, with Ford emerging as one of Ottawa's most vocal critics of Washington's trade policy under the nickname "Captain Canada".

The dispute is playing out on two fronts: new 50% US tariffs on certain Canadian goods took effect on 22 August, with Canadian retaliation planned for 8 September, while Trump has separately threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian autos and parts to 50% from 1 January 2027. Trump has accused Canada of imposing tariffs of 400% or more on US farmers and claimed the country cannot survive without America, singling out Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ford for criticism. He further inflamed tensions by proposing to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America". The friction traces back to late 2024, when Trump first threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and suggested Canada could become the 51st US state.