Ford seen on video saying he was ‘100% happy’ Trump won U.S. election — until tariff threat
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PC Leader Doug Ford’s Changing Views on President Trump and Tariffs
In a surprising turn of events, PC Leader Doug Ford was caught on video expressing his initial happiness at President Donald Trump’s election win, only to later express disappointment and frustration at the tariff threats that followed. Ford’s candid remarks were captured after a news conference on Monday, where he bluntly stated, “But then the guy pulled out the knife and f–king yanked it into us.”
While Trump’s tariff threats came after his election victory, he had been vocal about his intentions to use tariffs as part of his economic policy. Ford’s reaction to the sudden turn of events highlights the impact that such decisions can have on Ontario’s economy.
When questioned about his comments, a PC Party spokesperson referred to Ford’s statement at the same news conference, where he emphasized that he is “absolutely not” a supporter of Trump anymore. Ford expressed his disappointment with Trump’s actions, labeling them as a “disaster” and stating, “I’d never support that guy in my entire life.”
Ford’s stance on Trump has evolved over the years. In 2016, before becoming Ontario’s premier, he expressed support for Trump, stating that he would have voted for him if he were American. However, in 2019, Ford raised concerns about U.S. protectionism despite identifying as a big Republican and a Trump supporter.
Following news that potential U.S. tariffs would be paused for 30 days for further negotiations, Ford announced that Ontario would hold off on implementing retaliatory measures. He emphasized the importance of continued negotiations and the need for cooler heads to prevail in the ongoing trade dispute.
In a statement, Ford expressed relief at the temporary pause in tariffs, which would have severely impacted Ontario’s economy. He also clarified that the $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink signed last year would proceed as planned for now. Ford reiterated the importance of focusing on the trade war with China and maintaining a strong relationship with the U.S.
Ford’s shifting views on Trump and tariffs reflect the complexities of international trade relations and the need for strategic decision-making to safeguard Ontario’s economic interests. As the situation continues to evolve, Ford’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by trade disputes and protecting Ontario’s economy.