Ford’s aggressive remarks earn the attention of Trump’s commerce secretary

Doug Ford struck his most aggressive tone to date this week as he blamed Donald Trump for “causing chaos” with his tariff threats, and experts say the attacks from Ontario’s Conservative premier and appeals to the president’s Republican allies might be gaining traction.

. . .

According to a report from the Globe and Mail, confirmed by CBC Toronto, that tone sparked a call from Trump’s own commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. He asked Ford to ease up with his rhetoric, a request the premier refused.

Conservative strategist Shakir Chambers said Lutnick’s call shows that Ford has managed to grab the attention of people in the White House and his appeals have them concerned. He’s also channeling the frustrations of many Canadians who are angrily watching the tariff threats unfold.