Is Doug Ford’s tough talk on Trump working? Experts say it might be gaining traction

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has escalated his criticism of US President Donald Trump this week, blaming him for the chaos caused by his tariff threats. Ford, known for his conservative views, has been a vocal supporter of Trump in the past but has now taken a hard stance against the president’s recent actions.

In a news conference on Tuesday, Ford slammed Trump for imposing 25 percent tariffs on most Canadian goods and called on Republican politicians in the US Congress and Senate to push back against the president. He warned that Americans would feel the impact of these tariffs through factory closures, unemployment, and inflation, urging Republican lawmakers to speak up for their people.

Ford even hinted at the possibility of campaigning against Trump himself, stating that the president needs to pay the price in the 2026 mid-term elections. His aggressive tone caught the attention of Trump’s commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, who reportedly asked Ford to tone down his rhetoric. However, Ford refused to comply, signaling his unwavering stance against Trump’s policies.

Conservative strategist Shakir Chambers believes that Ford’s aggressive approach has struck a chord with many Canadians who are frustrated with the tariff threats. Chambers noted that Ford’s appearances on US cable news shows have been effective in reaching American conservatives and influencing their views on the issue.

Despite Ford’s previous support for Trump, McMaster University political science professor Peter Graefe believes that the premier has learned a hard lesson about the unpredictable nature of the US president. Graefe points out that Ford’s shift in attitude towards Trump reflects the material impacts of the president’s decisions on Ontario and Canada as a whole.

Liberal strategist Charles Bird sees Ford’s tough talk as a valuable asset in negotiations with the Trump administration. By playing the role of the “bad cop,” Ford can push the federal ministers to take a stronger stance against Trump’s policies. Bird emphasizes the importance of Ford’s role as a prominent Canadian conservative in delivering the message of the harmful effects of tariffs to the American electorate.

Overall, the debate over Ford’s rhetoric and media strategy continues, with some experts skeptical of its impact while others see it as a necessary step in challenging Trump’s policies. As the situation unfolds, Ford’s aggressive stance against Trump may play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the US.