Canadian PM Mark Carney apologizes to Trump over anti-tariff political ad

Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that he apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over a political advertisement critical of American trade tariffs.

Carney added that he had instructed Ontario Premier Doug Ford not to air the advertisement.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Asia-Pacific Summit in South Korea, Carney said he personally apologized to Trump during a dinner hosted by South Korean President on Wednesday.

The Canadian Prime Minister also revealed that he had reviewed the advertisement with Doug Ford before it was broadcast and had opposed its release.

According to foreign media reports, the ad was commissioned by Doug Ford, a conservative leader often compared to Trump for his populist style.

The commercial featured a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, warning that tariffs lead to trade wars and economic destruction.

In response, Trump had announced an increase in tariffs on Canadian imports and suspended trade talks with Ottawa.

Earlier this week, before leaving South Korea, Trump told reporters that he had a “very pleasant conversation” with Carney during the dinner, though he did not share further details.