TORONTO — Doug Ford, Ontario’s premier, has taken a bold and combative stance, vowing economic retaliation if U.S. President Donald Trump escalates trade tensions with Canada.
Wearing a MAGA-inspired hat emblazoned with “Canada Is Not For Sale,” Ford has pledged to retaliate against red states with dollar-for-dollar measures. From cutting power transmission to banning U.S. liquor in Ontario, Ford’s rhetoric suggests he’s ready for a high-stakes showdown.
“I’m a street fighter in politics,” Ford said in an interview. “If someone throws a punch at me, I’m going to hit him back twice as hard.”
Yet, Ford is confident that he and Trump, despite their adversarial posturing, would get along famously.
“Absolutely,” Ford affirmed. “One. Hundred. Percent.”
A Trump-Like Leader in the North
Doug Ford, a 60-year-old politician with a blue-collar base and a reputation for blunt talk, has long been compared to Trump. He points to his populist coalition, “Ford Nation,” as a precursor to Trump’s “MAGA movement.”
For all their similarities, however, Ford is taking a different approach to Trump. Instead of appeasement, Ford is betting that Trump will respect strength, grit, and theatrical brinkmanship more than flattery.
This strategy comes with risks. If Ford miscalculates Trump’s reaction, his tough talk could backfire, intensifying a trade war Ford himself calls irrational. Still, Ford insists his threats are a last resort.
“That’s the last thing I want to do,” he said. “I want to work with President Trump. There’s no one in Canada who loves the U.S. more than I do.”
From Trudeau to Ford: A Changing Canada
Ford’s rise represents a dramatic shift in Canada’s political landscape. Eight years ago, Justin Trudeau, with his progressive ideals and globalist outlook, was seen as the antithesis to Trump. Now, Trudeau is a diminished figure, serving his final weeks as prime minister after losing the support of voters frustrated with rising living costs.
In his place, Ford has emerged as a dominant force, appealing to both the political center and working-class conservatives. His confident, combative approach toward Trump is as much about local politics as it is about international relations. Ford has called for a snap election to solidify his position as premier, presenting himself as the protector of Ontario against both liberal elites and an unpredictable U.S. president.
A Calculated Gambit
Despite his fiery rhetoric, Ford’s moves are far from impulsive. His threats, including potential liquor bans and power cuts, are often coordinated with federal officials and framed as strategic warnings. He also promotes policies aligning with Trump’s priorities, such as low taxes and higher defense spending, while downplaying progressive measures like support for electric vehicles.
Ford’s broader pitch to the Trump administration is to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations as a united front against global competitors, particularly China. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Ford advocated for a “Fortress Am-Can” strategy, prioritizing North America’s economic and security interests.
When asked if his confrontational diplomacy had a performative flair, Ford didn’t hesitate: “Oh, you know, I agree with that comment.”
Ford and Trump: Parallels and Prospects
Ford’s confidence in his ability to connect with Trump stems partly from their shared backgrounds. Both rose to prominence through family businesses and have endured personal and political attacks. Ford draws parallels between Trump’s experiences and those of his late brother, Rob Ford, the scandal-plagued former mayor of Toronto.
“For the blue-collar, hard-working families out there, they have a voice with the Ford family,” Ford said.
Still, Ford’s approach is not without risk. Critics warn that Canada cannot sustain a prolonged trade conflict with the U.S., and misreading Trump’s responses could prove costly.
The Final Question
Doug Ford’s gamble is both a test of his political instincts and a reflection of Canada’s changing political dynamics. Whether his confrontational strategy pays off or leads to greater tensions remains to be seen.
The question remains: Is Doug Ford truly ready to rumble?
