Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused President Donald Trump of wanting to “hurt the American people” as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalate, according to an interview Tuesday on CNN’s Situation Room.
Ford, speaking with host Wolf Blitzer, said Canada must “stand up for their sovereignty” and pushed back on Trump’s rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state. He emphasized the deep economic ties between the two nations, noting that Canada is the United States’ number one customer.
“We buy more goods and products off the U.S., and vice versa by the way, than anywhere in the world,” Ford said. “I think we need to grow the pie.”
Ford: Tariffs Will Cost Americans Thousands
The premier warned that the president’s tariff policies could have a direct financial impact on American consumers, particularly in the automotive sector.
“I think President Trump wants to hurt the American people,” Ford said. “It’s going to cost the Americans up to $5,000 more on automobiles. It’s going to cost them a few thousand dollars more when these tariffs impact the U.S.”
Ford also referenced an upcoming package of Canadian retaliatory tariffs, saying the federal government and Prime Minister are preparing “over 95 pages of tariffs against the U.S.”
“That hurts the American people,” he added. “I do not understand why he wants to attack Canada nonstop. We’re the closest friends and allies.”
‘Canadians Still Love the American People’
Despite the heated rhetoric, Ford sought to distinguish between the Trump administration and the American public.
“Make no mistake about it, Wolf, Canadians still love the American people. They love the U.S.,” Ford said. “They don’t see eye to eye with the president by any means. But we love the American people, and I do as well.”
The interview comes amid ongoing trade friction between the two countries, with both sides threatening tariffs that could disrupt billions of dollars in cross-border commerce. Ford’s comments reflect growing frustration among Canadian leaders over Trump’s trade policies and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become part of the United States.
The Trump administration has argued that tariffs are necessary to protect American manufacturing and reduce trade deficits, but critics warn they could raise prices for consumers and strain relations with key allies. Ford’s warning of up to $5,000 added cost on automobiles is among the most specific projections yet from a Canadian official.
The situation remains fluid, with Canada’s retaliatory tariff plan expected to be unveiled in the coming days. Ford’s remarks signal that provincial leaders are bracing for a prolonged economic standoff even as they seek to maintain friendly ties with American citizens.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/08/25/ontario-premier-ford-trump-wants-to-hurt-the-american-people-2/