Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off electricity supply to the United States as President Donald Trump escalates his trade war against Canada.
Ford, 60, made the warning to the outlet on Tuesday following Trump’s announcement that he plans to double tariffs on Canadian automotive and steel exports. The Ontario premier said his province powers 1.5 million homes and businesses across the border.
“We power 1.5 million homes and businesses,” Ford told the AP.
“Everything’s on the table. I’ll do whatever it takes,” he continued.
The threat marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the neighboring countries. Ford’s warning came after Trump revealed plans to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian auto and steel products, doubling down on existing trade penalties that have already strained bilateral relations.
The Ontario premier’s electricity threat carries significant weight. Ontario is a major energy exporter to the United States, particularly to states in the Midwest and Northeast that rely on Canadian power to keep homes heated and factories running. Cutting that supply would represent one of the most aggressive retaliatory measures Canada could deploy against its southern neighbor.
Ford’s “everything’s on the table” stance suggests additional retaliation could follow. Canadian officials have previously warned they could restrict exports of critical minerals, another key leverage point given Canada’s dominant position in global markets for resources like nickel and cobalt.
The trade war has intensified rapidly in recent days. Trump’s threat of 50% auto and steel tariffs represents a sharp increase from previous levels and would hit core sectors of the Canadian economy. Automotive manufacturing and steel production are major employers in Ontario, making the province particularly exposed to American trade penalties.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also pushed back against Trump’s pressure, refusing to bow to the American president’s demands as the dispute deepens. The new Liberal leader, who took office recently, has taken a harder line than his predecessor in responding to Washington’s aggressive trade posture.
Ford’s electricity threat echoes a similar warning he issued earlier in the trade conflict. Ontario had previously signaled it could cut energy exports to US states, with Minnesota among those potentially affected by any supply interruption.
The viral moment that sparked this latest escalation came when Trump announced his plan to double existing tariffs, declaring in characteristic fashion that the United States did not need Canadian trade. The president’s “We don’t need Canada” rhetoric, delivered as he threatened the 50% duties, prompted Ford’s fiery response about pulling the plug on cross-border electricity flows.
Ford is scheduled to continue pressing his case against Trump’s tariffs in coming days as both sides brace for further economic confrontation.