US President Donald Trump announced the immediate suspension of all trade negotiations with Canada in response to an advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan stating that tariffs “hurt every American.” This advertisement, produced by Ontario, includes excerpts from a radio address Reagan delivered in 1987 addressing foreign trade.
Trump labeled the ad as “FAKE,” while the Ronald Reagan Foundation contended that it misrepresents Reagan’s original remarks. The ad features excerpts from a longer five-minute speech, although it does not alter the actual words spoken by Reagan. It rearranges their order, which has been a point of contention.
In the advertisement, Reagan’s first line indicates that imposing tariffs appears to protect American jobs but ultimately does not work in the long term. This statement is made only after a considerable portion of his original address where he discusses his concerns regarding tariffs and their implications.
Reagan’s original address began with a mention of Japan’s Prime Minister’s visit to the White House, including references to “recent disagreements” over trade, specifically highlighting tariffs imposed on some Japanese goods. He stresses the negative economic consequences of tariffs and advocates for free trade.
The ad continues by quoting Reagan on the long-term detrimental effects of trade barriers on American workers and consumers, although their connection in the original speech is not direct and is separated by other points Reagan made in his argument. He elaborated on the potential for tariffs to lead to retaliation, trade wars, and ultimately job losses.
Reagan concluded his address by reaffirming his commitment to free trade and urging against protectionist legislation, asserting that American jobs and economic growth depend on fair competition. The advertisement, highlighting key phrases from Reagan, omits parts of his speech that articulate these concerns in more detail.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz1e201r8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss