Aug 25, 2026
Follow us on Google for more Money.ca news
Add us on GoogleDoug Ford is no stranger to speaking without a filter, and the Ontario premier leaned heavily into his unscripted, “average Joe” political style Monday as he traded insults and trade threats in response to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The battle of barbs began early Monday morning when Ford was informed on air during a live interview with Toronto radio station NewsTalk 1010 that Trump had threatened new 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts and steel. Ford reacted immediately, telling the host that Trump “can kiss my ass, as far as I’m concerned.”
Advertisement
Trump fired back on Truth Social around 2 p.m., writing that Ford was full of “bluster” and mocking him as the “less charismatic, intelligent and overall unimpressive brother of the late, great, Rob Ford.”
Thanks for subscribing!
The best of Money.ca delivered weekly.
By signing up, you accept Money.ca Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, and Privacy Policy.
Stepping up to the microphone at an afternoon press conference in Hamilton shortly after, Ford refused to back down, telling Trump to “bring it on, buddy” and doubling down on his earlier profanity.
“I have a lot of real estate on my ass, so (Trump) has a lot of room to kiss my ass,” Ford told reporters. “I just do. I’m a big dude. What can I say?”
Ford hits back at ‘dictator’ and ‘bully’
A fed-up Ford compared the U.S. president to a wayward bully, while taking direct aim at his business acumen.
“I don’t respond to a dictator like President Trump,” he asserted. “As I said before, he’s the type of guy in school that would take your lunch money one day, take your toque off your head the next day and then steal your running shoes. But I’m not going to take any advice off a guy that’s the king of bankruptcies. He’s actually tariffing his own people, taxing his own people.”
However, a frustrated Ford was Elbows Up in defense of Canadian workers, cautioning that Ontario is ready to inflict real economic pain on U.S. markets.
“It’s about Team Canada,” he told reporters. “We’ll see how this goes but he wants to put pain on Canadians, we’ll leverage every bit of pain we possibly can on Americans.”
Ford warned that he is eager to slap export surcharges on electricity flowing south if his hand is forced. “We’ll use every tool in our toolbox, then we’ll see if President Trump says, ‘Do I need Canada?’ Watch how he does cartwheels and he shouts and screams when we put the (export electricity) surcharge on,” Ford declared. “As a matter of fact, I can’t wait.”
Must Read
- Are you paying too much for car insurance? Here are 3 clever ways to slash your monthly bill
- Here are 5 'must-haves' that Canadians constantly overpay for. How many of these are sabotaging your budget every single month?
- Here are the 5 biggest differences between rich and poor Canadians — which side do you fall on?
Join 19,000+ readers and get Money.ca’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
Eyeball to eyeball on upcoming U.S. midterms
Drawing on his years in politics, Ford brushed off Trump’s personal digs, insisting his political background has left him thick-skinned.
Advertisement
“I’ve been in this game a lot longer than he has. I got a skin on me like an alligator,” Ford told reporters. “And you think an insult from him hurts me? Well, bring it on, buddy. I’m ready. Bring it on. I’ve dealt with guys like you my whole life, and guess what? You all become losers because you’re a loser.”
Ford went even further by threatening to campaign against Republicans in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
“You know your own people, President Trump, don’t even like you. And they’re going to speak loud and clear when it comes to the midterms,” Ford said. “And if I was allowed to, I’d be down there door-knocking.”
Closing out his remarks, Ford offered one last sharp assessment of the U.S. leader.
“This guy’s a loser; he’s going to be a loser, simple as that,” Ford said. “We’re going to fight with everything we have. And, you know something? I have more courage, more brains in my baby toe than he has in his whole body.”
You May Also Like
- This 7-step plan from Dave Ramsey is designed to help you ditch debt, save more and build wealth — here’s how it works
- Prioritize these 4 critical investments and watch your net worth skyrocket
- Here are 8 solid money moves that could free up real cash every month — here's where to start
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
The most expensive financial mistakes are often the ones you don't see coming. Join 19,000+ Canadians who get the money moves, risks and opportunities shaping their finances — delivered free each week. Subscribe now.
Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
