WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Donald Trump Escalates His Trade War With Canada--and Ronald Reagan
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Oct 27, 2025 Mary Anastasia O'Grady, a journalist focusing on North and Latin America, dives into the trade war between the U.S. and Canada sparked by an Ontario ad featuring Ronald Reagan. She contrasts Reagan's nuanced free trade approach with Trump's blanket tariffs. The discussion shifts to Argentina's recent elections, highlighting Javier Milei's push for free-market reforms, while also touching on the U.S.-China trade truce and its implications for global economic ties. O'Grady offers insights on balancing trade policies and regional dynamics.
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Reagan Ad Highlights Trade Philosophy Gap
- Ontario aired a 1987 Ronald Reagan speech warning that tariffs shrink markets and hurt workers and consumers.
- The ad highlighted the contrast between Reagan's free-trade message and Trump's protectionist stance.
Tariffs-As-Default Versus Tactical Use
- President Trump reacted angrily and called the ad dishonest, then unilaterally imposed a 10% tariff on Canada.
- Mary O'Grady argues this shows Trump's tariffs-first approach differs sharply from Reagan's selective use of trade barriers.
Reagan Used Targeted Trade Measures
- Ronald Reagan used targeted trade measures like semiconductor restraints and voluntary auto limits, not a blanket tariff doctrine.
- Mary O'Grady says labeling Reagan as a tariff enthusiast misrepresents his broader free-trade principles.