Canada's 'Bad Cop' Ford Takes on Trump in Trade War

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has launched a sharp verbal attack on US President Donald Trump following the collapse of trade talks and new US tariffs on Canada, calling Trump a "dictator," "loser," and "bankruptcy king." Ford urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to take a firm stance against Washington. Ford, who leads Canada's most populous province and a major manufacturing hub, later adopted a more conciliatory tone after Trump mocked him on social media. While provincial leaders have no formal role in trade negotiations, Ford's unpredictable style has created friction but also provides Carney with a useful contrast as the "good cop." Ontario is among the provinces hardest hit by US tariffs on steel and vehicles, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. Ford has previously used retaliatory measures, including export taxes on electricity and provincial bans on American alcohol, though his approval ratings have recently fallen to 21 percent.