Former US President Donald Trump has once again invoked the ghost of Ronald Reagan in defence of his aggressive trade policies toward Canada, resurrecting a controversial anecdote that historians have repeatedly questioned.
The Dubious Reagan Encounter
During a recent speech, Trump recounted a story he's told numerous times about a conversation with the late President Reagan. According to Trump, Reagan approached him at a New York party and complained bitterly about Canada's trade practices.
"He said, 'Donald, we have a problem. We have a country, it's lovely, it's called Canada. They're our neighbour to the north, and they're killing us on trade,'" Trump claimed Reagan told him.
Historical Timeline Raises Eyebrows
Fact-checkers have long scrutinised this anecdote. The alleged conversation would have occurred during Reagan's presidency (1981-1989), yet Trump himself has provided conflicting dates for the encounter.
Key inconsistencies include:
- Trump has variously dated the story to 1985, 1986, and 1987
- Reagan's advanced Alzheimer's diagnosis shortly after leaving office raises questions about his detailed recall of trade policy
- No independent verification of the conversation has ever emerged
Political Weaponisation of Trade Relations
Trump has consistently used this anecdote to justify his hardline stance on renegotiating NAFTA, which ultimately resulted in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). His portrayal of Canada as an unfair trade partner has been a recurring theme throughout his political career.
"This story has become foundational to Trump's trade narrative," noted political historian Dr. Evelyn March. "Whether factual or not, it serves his political purpose of framing Canada as an economic adversary rather than ally."
Canada's Response to Trade Tensions
Canadian officials have generally maintained diplomatic silence on Trump's repeated characterisations, focusing instead on preserving the vital trade relationship between the two nations. The timing of Trump's latest remarks comes as trade experts monitor potential policy shifts should he return to power.
The enduring nature of this questionable anecdote highlights how political stories, regardless of their factual basis, can shape international relations and trade policy for decades.
