Canadian Premier Doug Ford has issued a jaw-dropping apology to Americans while taking direct aim at President Trump over escalating trade tensions. The outspoken Ontario leader is threatening to cut off crucial electricity exports that power millions of American homes, yet claims it’s “not you, it’s your President” causing the international standoff.
At a Glance
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump’s 25% tariffs
- Canada supplies power for 1.5 million American homes, particularly in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota
- Ford apologized directly to American citizens, blaming President Trump for forcing Canada’s hand
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% retaliatory tariffs on $20.7 billion of U.S. imports
- Ford also threatened to cut off nickel exports, with Ontario supplying 46% of America’s nickel supply
Canadian Leader Threatens Energy “Pain” on America
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is raising the stakes in the growing trade war between the United States and Canada, threatening to cut off crucial electricity exports that power millions of American homes. The bold move comes in direct response to President Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, creating a cross-border economic standoff with significant implications for communities in northern border states.
Ford didn’t mince words when explaining his willingness to retaliate against the Biden administration’s tariffs. “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything, including cut off their energy, with a smile on my face. They rely on our energy, they need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard, we’re going to come back twice as hard,” Doug Ford said.
Canadian Premier Apologizes To Americans For Considering Cutting Energy Exports: 'It's Not You, It's Your President'! Fuck this Fat Mfer. America is tired of being shit on by your country and others.
— Ted Freddy (@TedFreddy1950) March 4, 2025
Ford Apologizes to Americans, Blames President Biden
In a calculated political move, Ford made clear his frustration is directed at the White House, not the American people. While threatening severe consequences, he simultaneously extended an olive branch to everyday Americans caught in the crossfire of international trade disputes. The energy sector remains a critical leverage point for Canada in these negotiations.
“This is unnecessary, and we do have to retaliate, and I apologize to the American people. It’s not you, it’s your President that’s causing this problem,” Doug Ford said.
The significance of Canada’s energy exports cannot be overstated. Ontario alone provides electricity for 1.5 million American homes, with consumers in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota particularly dependent on Canadian power. In 2023, Canada exported $3.2 billion worth of electricity to the United States, highlighting the interconnected nature of the North American power grid.
New York Governor Doubts Canadian Threats
Despite the heated rhetoric, not everyone believes Ford will follow through on his threats. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed confidence that her relationship with the Canadian leader would help prevent any disruption to her state’s power supply. New York remains one of the primary beneficiaries of Ontario’s electricity exports, making any cutoff particularly painful for northern communities.
“I’d be happy to have additional conversations with him on how we can support each other during this crisis, so I feel positive that anything within his power that he can control – that we do not have a target on our backs,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Beyond electricity, Ford also threatened to cut off crucial nickel exports. Ontario currently supplies 46% of America’s nickel, a material essential for stainless steel production and various manufacturing processes. This multi-pronged approach to retaliation demonstrates Canada’s willingness to use its resource advantages as leverage in the growing trade dispute with the Biden administration.
Trade War Escalation Continues
The confrontation extends beyond provincial leadership, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing 25% retaliatory tariffs on $20.7 billion worth of American imports. These counter-measures signal Canada’s refusal to back down in what Trudeau has characterized as a trade war initiated by the Trump administration. The economic impact could be substantial for consumers and businesses on both sides of the world’s longest international border.
“I didn’t start this tariff war, but we’re going to win this tariff war,” Ford said.
Ford, the brother of the late controversial Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, has established himself as a formidable voice in Canadian politics. His willingness to confront the American President directly demonstrates the significant economic leverage Canada maintains through its resource exports, particularly in the energy sector. As tariffs take effect and retaliation measures mount, American consumers may soon feel the impact of this escalating trade dispute.
