The Ongoing Tariff Dispute and Its Potential Impact on US Jobs

Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].

Douglas Robert Ford Jr., born November 20, 1964, is a Canadian politician and businessman currently serving as the 26th Premier of Ontario and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario[1][2][4]. He represents the riding of Etobicoke North in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, a community in Toronto where he was raised and continues to live with his family[2][6]. Ford comes from a family with a strong tradition of public service: his father, Doug Ford Sr., was a Member of Provincial Parliament (1995–1999), and his brother, Rob Ford, served as mayor of Toronto (2010–2014)[2][6]. Before entering provincial politics, Doug Ford was a Toronto city councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke North from 2010 to 2014, serving as vice-chair of the Budget Committee and delivering significant taxpayer savings[6]. He also ran for mayor of Toronto in 2014, finishing second[2]. In business, Ford co-owns Deco Labels and Tags, a printing company founded by his father[2]. Ford became leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in 2018 after a closely contested leadership race[4]. He led the party to a majority government in the June 2018 provincial election, becoming premier on June 29, 2018[1][3][5]. Ford was re-elected with increased majorities in both the 2022 and 2025 elections, the latter called early in response to U.S. trade policies[1][3]. His third consecutive majority in 2025 marked the first time in 65 years an Ontario premier achieved this feat[1]. As premier, Ford has pursued a mix of conservative and centrist policies. He eliminated Ontario’s carbon pricing program, though the federal government later imposed a carbon tax on the province[1]. His government has focused on increasing housing, expanding infrastructure, and hiring more health care workers, while also enacting legislation to expand the use of private health care services and grant additional powers to some mayors[1][2]. Ford’s tenure has not been without controversy, including debates over pandemic response, changes to Toronto City Council, and the Greenbelt development scandal[2]. Recently, Ford has been prominent in opposing proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, warning of potential job losses and advocating for a stronger Canada-U.S. energy alliance[1]. During the 2025 election, he countered U.S. political rhetoric with the slogan “Canada is not for sale” and terminated a contract with Starlink, a company linked to a U.S. political figure[1]. Ford remains a significant figure in Canadian politics, balancing provincial interests with national and international economic challenges[1][2].