A series of billboards criticizing tariffs have appeared across Cleveland, bearing the message: “Tariffs are a Tax.”
The billboards, funded by the Canadian government, highlight the impact of tariffs on American consumers. Messages include: “Tariffs are a tax on hard-working Americans,” “Tariffs are a tax on your grocery bill,” and “Tariffs are a tax at the gas pump.” At the bottom of each billboard, a line states that the campaign is “paid for by the government of Canada.”
According to Global Affairs Canada, the initiative aims to raise awareness among Americans about the economic consequences of tariffs. The campaign follows recent tariff increases by President Donald Trump on imports from Mexico, China, and Canada. Among these measures is a new 25% tariff on foreign auto imports, a move that has sparked widespread debate within the industry.
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno (R) addressed the billboard campaign while visiting a Tesla dealership on Friday afternoon. “They should spend money to strengthen their borders, strengthen their…resources at their airports. People don’t walk into Canada,” Moreno said in response to the advertisements.
Moreno’s visit to the dealership also came amid national protests, some of which have led to vandalism, following Elon Musk’s involvement with DOGE. The senator condemned the unrest, calling it a “disgrace.”
The billboard campaign underscores ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S. over trade policies, with tariffs remaining a contentious issue affecting both economies.