In a tense trade standoff, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off electricity exports to US states over President Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Hours later, after Trump fired back with steep tariff hikes on Canadian steel and aluminum, Ford caved, suspending the surcharge on electricity to Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. This clash showcases Trump’s unyielding resolve to shield American interests from foreign strong-arming.
For background on US-Canada trade tensions, see USTR: Canada.
Doug Ford’s Initial Threat
On Monday evening, Doug Ford took a bold swing at Trump’s tariff policies during an interview on CNBC’s “Money Movers.” He warned that cutting electricity to the US was an option, saying, “If we go into a recession, it will be called the Trump recession.” Ford added, “That’s the last thing I want to do. I want to send more electricity down to the US, to our closest allies or our best neighbors in the world.”
He didn’t stop there. “Is it a tool in our tool kit? One hundred percent,” Ford declared, “and as he continues to hurt Canadian families, Ontario families, I won’t hesitate to do that.” His threat aimed to rattle the US, but it met a brick wall in Trump.
Trump’s Decisive Response
Trump didn’t flinch. On Tuesday, he unleashed a blistering counterattack via Truth Social, hiking tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. He also demanded Canada drop its punishing 250%-390% tariffs on US dairy and floated a jaw-dropping idea: Canada as the 51st state.
“Based on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on “Electricity” coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. This will go into effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th. Also, Canada must immediately drop their Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products, which has long been considered outrageous. I will shortly be declaring a National Emergency on Electricity within the threatened area. This will allow the U.S to quickly do what has to be done to alleviate this abusive threat from Canada. If other egregious, long time Tariffs are not likewise dropped by Canada, I will substantially increase, on April 2nd, the Tariffs on Cars coming into the U.S. which will, essentially, permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada. Those cars can easily be made in the USA! Also, Canada pays very little for National Security, relying on the United States for military protection. We are subsidizing Canada to the tune of more than 200 Billion Dollars a year. WHY??? This cannot continue. The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear. Canadians’ taxes will be very substantially reduced, they will be more secure, militarily and otherwise, than ever before, there would no longer be a Northern Border problem, and the greatest and most powerful nation in the World will be bigger, better and stronger than ever — And Canada will be a big part of that. The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful Nation anywhere in the World — And your brilliant anthem, “O Canada,” will continue to play, but now representing a GREAT and POWERFUL STATE within the greatest Nation that the World has ever seen!” — @realDonaldTrump, March 11, 2024
Trump’s swift, no-nonsense move turned the tables on Ford’s gambit.
The Outcome: Ford Backs Down
By Tuesday afternoon, Ford folded. After a call with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Ontario agreed to suspend its 25% electricity surcharge to three US states. Their joint statement read:
“Today, United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Premier of Ontario Doug Ford had a productive conversation about the economic relationship between the United States and Canada. Secretary Lutnick agreed to officially meet with Premier Ford in Washington on Thursday, March 13 alongside the United States Trade Representative to discuss a renewed USMCA ahead of the April 2 reciprocal tariff deadline. In response, Ontario agreed to suspend its 25 per cent surcharge on exports of electricity to Michigan, New York and Minnesota.”
Trump’s pressure worked—Ford’s retreat was a win for American leverage.
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Trade Strategy
This showdown fits Trump’s playbook: hit hard, protect American jobs, and demand fairness. His tariffs aren’t just retaliation—they’re a shield for US industries battered by lopsided trade deals. Ford’s quick surrender proves Trump’s approach gets results, forcing foreign leaders to rethink their tactics.
Trump’s 51st-state pitch, while bold, spotlights a deeper truth: Canada leans heavily on US military and economic might. His strategy isn’t about bullying—it’s about leveling a playing field tilted against American workers for decades.
Conclusion: Stay Informed
Trump’s stand against Ford’s threat is a masterclass in putting America first. As trade talks loom, patriots must keep watch on how these battles shape our future. Follow us on X (@goldagepatriots) and Facebook
