Bully Trump Can Kiss My…: Doug Ford Fires Back As Carney Vows Retaliation In Trade War

The US-Canada trade war has erupted into a fresh war of words, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford launching a blistering attack on Donald Trump as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares retaliatory tariffs following the collapse of trade negotiations with Washington.

During a press conference on Monday, he directly told Trump that he could “kiss my ass”, while also calling the US president a “bully,” “dictator” and “loser.” The remarks came after Trump criticized Ford and threatened further measures against Canadian exports.

Ford's comments were not an implication or paraphrase. He explicitly used the phrase during his remarks and repeated the sentiment while defending Canada's position in the escalating trade dispute. He also compared Trump to a school bully who takes people's belongings and warned that Canada should be prepared to fight back.

The confrontation comes as Mark Carney's government prepares retaliatory tariffs against US products. Canada has already announced that its new countermeasures will take effect from September 8, following the breakdown of negotiations with Washington. Carney has said Canada will respond dollar for dollar to the latest American tariffs.

The latest dispute intensified after Trump threatened additional 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles, auto parts and steel, with the proposed measures scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2027. The new threats come on top of tariffs already affecting billions of dollars in Canadian exports.

Carney has argued that Canada cannot accept a trade arrangement that compromises its economic interests or sovereignty. His government walked away from negotiations after Washington introduced what Ottawa considered unacceptable demands, further worsening relations between the two countries.

Trump, meanwhile, has repeatedly insisted that the US does not need Canada and has continued his controversial rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st US state. The remarks have added a political dimension to an already serious economic confrontation.

Ford has emerged as one of the most vocal Canadian critics of Trump's approach. He has urged Ottawa to respond forcefully and previously called for Canada to consider using its economic leverage, including electricity, energy and critical minerals, if Washington continues escalating tariffs.

The Ontario premier has also warned that Trump's tariffs could ultimately hurt American consumers and businesses because the US and Canadian economies are deeply integrated. Cross-border supply chains are particularly important in the automotive, steel, energy, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

The automotive industry faces especially significant risks because Canadian factories and suppliers are closely linked to US production networks. Tariffs on vehicles and components could raise manufacturing costs, disrupt supply chains and increase prices on both sides of the border.

The latest escalation marks a sharp deterioration from the more positive tone that had surrounded Trump and Carney's relationship earlier in the year. Trade talks have now collapsed, retaliation is being prepared and personal attacks between political leaders have intensified.