Ford backed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and warned Canada could use electricity, fuel, potash and uranium to put “massive pain” on the U.S. in retaliation.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has sharply escalated his criticism of US President Donald Trump amid the latest fallout from the Canada-US trade war, calling Trump a “dictator,” a “bully” and the “king of bankruptcies.”
Speaking at a news conference in Hamilton on Monday, Ford doubled down on his earlier remark that Trump could “kiss my ass” after the US president’s latest tariff threats. Ford also said he fully supports Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to walk away from trade negotiations with the United States.
The latest exchange comes after 50% US tariffs on about $28 billion worth of Canadian goods took effect early Saturday. Carney has said Canada will impose dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on US goods starting September 8.
Ford Warns Trump That Canada Can ‘Put Massive Pain’ On US
Ford said Canada should consider a wide range of retaliatory measures, including electricity, fuel, potash and uranium, arguing that the country has the ability to put significant economic pressure on the United States.
“We need to throw everything and the kitchen sink at them,” Ford said, adding that Trump “underestimates us.”
Ford also attacked Trump’s leadership style, saying he would not take advice from someone he described as the “king of bankruptcies.”
“I don’t respond to a dictator like President Trump,” Ford said, comparing the president to a school bully who takes away other children’s belongings.
Earlier Monday, Ford had told Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010 that Trump was “arrogant” and “cocky” while reiterating his “kiss my ass” comment.
Trump responded by attacking Ford online, referring to him as “Flunky Ford” and describing him as a less charismatic and intelligent version of his late brother, former Toronto mayor Rob Ford.
