Ronald Reagan gives his opinion about arbitrary tariffs
When a TV Ad Can Change U.S. Trade Policy, We Have a Problem
When Iowa farmers heard that President Trump had raised tariffs on Canada because of a TV commercial that made him angry, many were stunned – and then angry themselves. The ad wasn’t a hit piece. It wasn’t fake. It wasn’t edited to distort.
What the Ad Contained
It simply played five complete sentences from President Ronald Reagan warning that tariffs are “economic self-sabotage,” “taxes on American families,” and “an invitation to retaliation and recession.” Those are Reagan’s words. Recorded. Public. Verified.
The message was simple: Tariffs should be rare, targeted, temporary – not a habit, not a threat, and not a tantrum.
How Trump Responded
But instead of responding with reason, President Trump flipped out and abruptly ended trade talks with Canada. He claimed the ad was a “fraud” (it wasn’t) and then he unilaterally raised tariffs by another 10%. All because the truth hurt his feelings.
This is not strategy. This is impulse masquerading as policy. And it hurts Iowans and the Iowa economy.
The Deeper Problem
When trade policy follows ego instead of economics, Iowans pay.
That’s not analysis. That’s our grocery bills, our feed costs, our equipment costs… That’s our farm income.
Leadership should have steady hands, clear thinking, and long-term planning. Right now, we’re getting reaction, insecurity, and personal vendetta disguised as patriotism. And it is hurting, and will continue to hurt, Iowans.
Iowa deserves better.
The Videos
Original Reagan Radio Address
Ontario Video
Explanation of Differences