Ontario Premier Doug Ford sharply criticized President Donald Trump on Monday, saying global economic instability has been fueled by decisions out of Washington and expressing confidence that political change could come in the United States during the midterm elections. Speaking at an informal news conference outside his office at Queen’s Park, Ford also outlined Ontario’s economic strategy, defended changes to student financial aid, and stressed the province’s push to attract investment amid trade uncertainty.
Much of Ford’s remarks centered on trade tensions with the United States and tariffs imposed under President Trump. He reiterated his longstanding position that tariffs on Canadian goods function as a tax on Americans, increasing prices for U.S. consumers. “A tariff on Canada is a tax on the U.S.,” he said, noting that millions of American jobs are tied to trade with Ontario alone.
Canada's Ontario Premier Doug Ford:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 23, 2026
How can one person, one man, create so much turmoil around the world…I can't wait for the midterms.pic.twitter.com/Q9c6BbXCrO
Ford said Ontario would not rush into any new trade agreement with Washington, warning that other countries that moved quickly to strike deals were later disadvantaged. “No deal is better than a bad deal,” he said, urging caution and coordination with the federal government. He referenced ongoing legal and congressional developments in the U.S., adding, “I just sit back some days, and I’m not the only one. Everyone in the world sits back, how can one person, one man create so much turmoil around the world, not just here in Canada, around the world is pretty staggering. So, I can’t wait for the midterms.”
Canada's Ontario Premier Doug Ford:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 23, 2026
The walls are closing in on President Trump.pic.twitter.com/dz4vl2kaao
“Make no mistake about it. President Trump still has a lot of tools, but I think the walls are closing in on President Trump. You saw him lose the vote and six Republicans cross the floor with Congress, then you saw the Supreme Court decision.”
Ford’s comments come as U.S. political leaders sharpen their messaging ahead of the midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently posted a video asserting that Democrats are positioned to regain control of the House of Representatives in November. “Republicans done effed up, and they know it,” Jeffries said, arguing that Democrats have outperformed Republicans in recent elections and warning that GOP lawmakers are “on the verge of losing control of the House of Representatives.”
Democrats will take control of the House in November. pic.twitter.com/RUol6WpnsY
— Hakeem Jeffries (@hakeemjeffries) February 7, 2026
At the federal level in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently delivered a sweeping address emphasizing Canada’s independence and national identity amid shifting global dynamics. Carney acknowledged the deep economic and security partnership between Canada and the United States but stressed that Canada’s prosperity is rooted in its own institutions and people. “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” he said.
Carney responds to Trump:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 22, 2026
Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in rich cultural exchange.
But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian. pic.twitter.com/wqR1ipjlbH
During the news conference, Ford also addressed domestic issues, including changes to Ontario’s student financial aid system. He defended the province’s investment of $7 billion annually in colleges and universities but said students should prioritize fields tied to in-demand jobs such as skilled trades, health care, engineering, nuclear energy, critical minerals and manufacturing. While acknowledging concerns about affordability, he described education as an investment and maintained that Ontario’s tuition costs remain among the lowest in North America. On immigration, Ford reiterated his support for skilled economic immigration aligned with labor market needs. He also advised Ontarians to avoid travel to Mexico amid security concerns, calling the situation there unstable.
Throughout his remarks, Ford framed Ontario’s approach as focused on economic resilience and self-sufficiency at a time of geopolitical and trade uncertainty. With midterm elections looming in the United States and Canadian leaders emphasizing national independence, cross-border political dynamics are increasingly shaping the policy landscape on both sides of the border.
