Canadians and Americans alike recently applauded Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his sharp criticism of President Donald Trump and vows to make him regret even uttering the word “tariff.” But few know that Ford used to be a proud Trumper before turning on the president this year.
Ford was exposed last year in February when he was mistakenly caught on a hot mic saying that he was pro-Trump in the last election.
“On election day, was I happy this guy won? 100 percent I was,” he said, according to the Toronto Star. “Then the guy pulled out the knife and f***ing yanked it in me.”
Only moments before, Ford had told reporters that he’s “absolutely not” a Trump supporter, adding: “I’d never support that guy in my entire life.”
The humiliating reveal shocked Canadians, especially after Ford campaigned for months on an anti-Trump agenda.
On the campaign trail, he wore a mock Trump hat saying “Canada is Not For Sale,” donning blue to defy the famous MAGA red. It covered his yellowing hair, which some say bears a strange resemblance to Trump’s.
The Progressive Conservative leader even called for an early election a year in advance because he was so adamant about countering Trump.
Or so he said.
When reporters in Ottawa called Ford out for the hot mic, he immediately dismissed the question, complaining: “You guys are obsessed with that.”
The frustrated leader backpedaled on his earlier confessions in an awkward attempt to smooth things over. “Well, you know something, I always believe in working with anyone,” he said.
His constituents aren’t sure what side he’s on. Ford has been attacking Trump repeatedly since the president announced 25% tariffs on Canada. He’s threatened to cut off electricity to the U.S., said that the “president needs to be stopped,” and that Americans “need to feel the pain.”
So when did Ford do a 180? Although he claims he thought Trump’s second term “would be a little different,” there’s no doubt that he was celebrating when the polls were announced Nov. 6. His family also seemed to party it up for the Trump win—Ford’s daughter Kyla was caught posting a photo of her mom (Ford’s wife) wearing a shirt depicting Trump at the White House.
“What does it say?” the person filming the video asks Ford’s wife.
“Daddy’s home! Woo!” she squeals.
Ford even sponsored a Fox News interview with Trump and Musk, but claimed that it was a way to reach Americans.
Some say that Ford purely has political motives, using Trump to his advantage to trigger the early campaign. One expert told the Toronto Star that Trump was Ford’s rationale for the “unnecessary” election that cost nearly $190 million.
Canadian New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles called Ford’s character into question: “This is who Doug Ford is,” she said. “He says one thing when he’s out in front of the microphones... and he says another one behind closed doors.”
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie seemed to agree. “Somehow, there was benefit in it for him if Donald Trump would succeed,” he said. “Even if it meant it would hurt Ontario and our economy.”
Ford now maintains that his priority is protecting Canadians. He’s taking a direct stance against Trump’s aggressive tariffs.
But some wonder if his opposition will last.
The Daily Beast has reached out to Doug Ford for comment.
