White House says Ontario’s “egregious, insulting” energy tax reason for doubling tariffs

During a Tuesday press briefing at the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump would be imposing 50 per cent tariffs — rather than the initially promised 25 per cent — against Canada on steel and aluminum starting Wednesday.

Leavitt said this comes in response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s “egregious and insulting” decision Monday to impose a 25 per cent tariff on electricity imports to the U.S.

Despite the turmoil and concern faced by many Americans amid the unfolding trade war –— which began with Trump — Leavitt claimed the tariffs would be beneficial for the U.S., in the long-term and help “boost morale for the American people” with “thriving industries.”

Leavitt said Canada has been “ripping off the USA and hardworking Americans for decades, before pulling out a chart of global tariffs against the U.S. to prove her point. She highlighted a “nearly 300 per cent tariff” on American cheese and butter.

Despite saying he “will respond appropriately” if Trump goes ahead with 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum, Ford announced a temporary suspension on the electricity surcharge Tuesday afternoon. He is set to soon meet with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington.