Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticizes Trump tariffs as harmful to both countries

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said President Donald Trump's announcement of 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian products will increase prices for American consumers and damage the economies of both nations. The tariffs, set to begin in late August, cover roughly $20 billion in goods, including hockey equipment, down-feather products, milk, honey and alcohol. Ford told CBS News senior correspondent Ed O'Keefe that the United States and Canada did not start the trade dispute and that the measures contradict Trump's campaign promise to lower costs.

"When someone comes up and punches you in the face, not once, not twice, 10 times, you have to stand up to that person," Ford said, adding that he has urged Justin Trudeau to respond.

Ford noted that the Gordie Howe Bridge, funded by Canada and slated to open on Monday, will generate jobs and toll revenue for both countries, with the United States receiving half of the tolls for the first 15 years after construction debts are paid. He highlighted that bilateral trade totals about $52 billion annually and warned that protectionist policies hurt consumers in both the United States and Canada.

The Trump administration said the new tariffs are a response to Canadian retaliatory measures, including auto import duties and provincial bans on U.S. liquor, but Ford argued that escalating tariffs benefit no one and called the approach an "economic attack" on a close ally.