Trump, Reagan & the Canadian Ad: Fact, Fiction, and a 10% Tariff
An Ontario-sponsored ad misusing Reagan’s speech sparked tariffs, fury, and Truth Social drama … but what’s true, and what’s spin?
“From Speech to Tariff”
- April 25, 1987: Reagan delivers Presidential Radio Address on Free and Fair Trade.
- Sept 2025: Ontario runs ad using excerpts of Reagan’s speech in the U.S.
- Oct 25, 2025: Trump posts on Truth Social calling it “fraudulent” and announces 10% tariff increase.
“Trump Claims: Fact or Fiction?”
| Claim | Verdict | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “Canada ran a fraudulent ad.” | ⚠️ Misleading | Ontario ran it; Canada (federal government) did not. |
| “Reagan loved tariffs.” | ⚠️ Misleading | Reagan cautioned against trade wars; he did not endorse high tariffs. |
| “Ad misrepresents Reagan’s speech.” | ✅ True | Reagan Foundation confirmed selective editing & misrepresentation. |
| “Ad taken down immediately.” | ⚠️ Partially true | Ontario removed the ad after complaints, but it aired first during U.S. broadcast. |
“Reagan Said What?”
- Quote: “Tariffs are steps I am loath to take… Free and fair trade must guide our actions.” – Ronald Reagan, 1987
- Overlay: “Trump vs. Reagan: The Tariff Interpretation Debate”
Political Spin
- Trump framed the ad as a “hostile act” justifying tariffs.
- Ontario says the speech was public domain, used for political advocacy.
- Reagan Foundation reviewing potential legal action.
The Bottom Line
- Media Fact Check: Ad exists ✅, misrepresents Reagan ✅, but Trump exaggerates federal Canada involvement ⚠️
- Reagan’s speech warns against high tariffs, contradicting Trump’s “Reagan loved tariffs” claim ⚠️
- The drama highlights how political narratives can twist history … and impact trade policy in real time.
