‘Stop the gravy train’: Is Donald Trump channeling late Toronto mayor Rob Ford?

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has built up a treasure trove of catchphrases in his bid for the White House, but he now appears to have adopted a line from one of Canada’s most outspoken politicians — the late Toronto mayor Rob Ford.

READ MORE: Rolling Stones tell Donald Trump to quit using their songs

“You know why it’s #NeverTrump?” the billionaire businessman told an audience in Charleston, West Virginia, responding to an online campaign against him. “Because, I’m gonna stop the gravy train for all these consultants who are ripping off our country.”

Ford made the “gravy train” line famous during his 2010 mayoral campaign, vowing to curb city hall spending.

Ford, like Trump, was a controversial and divisive figure in politics — you either loved him or hated him — and his time as mayor was peppered with scandals, most notably admitting he smoked crack cocaine.

Ford, 46, died March 22 after an 18-month battle with a rare form of cancer. At the time of his death, Ford was still a Toronto city councillor. He dropped out of the 2014 mayoral race after doctors found a tumor in his abdomen.

IN PHOTOS: Mourners say final goodbyes to former Toronto mayor Rob Ford

Family members, who still maintain his official Twitter account, tweeted their approval of Trump using one of Ford’s most famous remarks.

WATCH: More coverage of the death of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford

4:17 Rob Ford, polarizing but popular Toronto mayor, dies at 46

• Rob Ford, polarizing but popular Toronto mayor, dies at 46
• Family, colleagues, fans react to death of Rob Ford
• Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford laid to rest
• How Toronto city council will fill Rob Ford’s vacant seat
• Councillors share their personal stories of Rob Ford
• Covering Rob Ford at City Hall
• Mayor Tory says reflection needed before Rob Ford statue commitment
• People come together to celebrate Rob Ford
• Jimmy Kimmel post Rob Ford condolences on Twitter
• Hundreds gather to celebrate the life of Rob Ford
• Rob Ford supporters join funeral procession
• Rob Ford controversies

Previous Video

Next Video

Follow @nick_logan