Michael Reagan Makes Surprising U-Turn on Trump’s Tariff Policies.
Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan, has shocked many by defending Donald Trump’s tariff policies, despite being a longtime critic. His change of stance comes as Trump faces backlash over new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China.
From Trump Critic to Supporter
Michael Reagan, a conservative commentator and head of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, has not always been in Trump’s corner.
- 2016: Reagan posted on X (formerly Twitter) that if his father were alive, it would be the first time he wouldn’t support the GOP nominee.
- 2023: He criticized Trump’s decision to skip the Republican debates, calling it “dumb” in an op-ed.
Despite these past critiques, Reagan took to social media on Friday to defend Trump’s stance on tariffs, arguing that times have changed.
Tariff Debate: Trump vs. Reagan
Trump’s latest tariff policies have sparked controversy, with some critics pointing to a 1987 speech by Ronald Reagan as evidence against them.
The New York Post reported that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has been sharing a video clip of Reagan calling tariffs "stupid." In the video, Reagan states:
"We’re in the same boat with our trading partners. If one partner shoots a hole in the boat, does it make sense for the other one to shoot another hole in the boat? Some say yes and call that getting tough. Well, I call it stupid."
However, Michael Reagan is pushing back against this argument. He claims critics are misusing his father’s words, arguing that Reagan’s views evolved over time.
“Yes, my father spoke about tariffs when he was POTUS… that was 40 years ago. It’s a different time with a different POTUS.”
He also urged people to stop using his father’s legacy to attack Trump, writing:
“For God’s sake, quit using my father to bash Trump.”
Reagan further argued that his father also used tariffs when necessary, citing examples of tariffs placed on Japanese goods in 1987. He even warned Trump critics:
“Remember, my dad ended up kicking your a**es.”
Yes my father spoke about Tariffs when he was POTUS..that was 40yrs ago,it is different time with a different POTUS,for Gods sake quit using my father to bash Trump…FYI it is amazing that you all of a sudden support my father when for 8 yrs you treated him like you are treating…
— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) March 7, 2025
— QM2(SS) (@FortPatriot) March 8, 2025
Trump’s Trade War: What’s Happening Now?
Trump’s tariff battle is escalating, with major economic and political implications.
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Canada & Mexico Tariffs:
- The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada earlier this week.
- Trump reversed the decision days later, granting a one-month delay until April 2.
- He cited "respect" for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to work with the U.S. on border security and fentanyl control.
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Canadian Lumber & Dairy Tariffs:
- Trump accused Canada of "ripping us off for years" on dairy and lumber exports.
- He hinted that new tariffs could be imposed as soon as Monday or Tuesday.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that Canada may get an exemption, but no official decision has been announced.
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Auto Industry Exemptions:
- Trump met with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis this week.
- As a result, he granted a temporary exemption on auto tariffs under the USMCA trade agreement, delaying enforcement until April 2.
Trump Hints at Sanctions Against Russia
In another major policy shift, Trump threatened economic sanctions on Russia, signaling a tougher stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump warned:
“Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Ceasefire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED.”
This marks a notable shift from Trump’s earlier friendlier stance toward Vladimir Putin, which had worried some U.S. allies.
What’s Next?
With April 2 set as the deadline for major tariff decisions, the global economic impact of Trump’s trade war is still unfolding. Meanwhile, Michael Reagan’s unexpected defense of Trump has reignited debates over Ronald Reagan’s true stance on tariffs.
Will Trump’s new trade strategy pay off, or will it lead to further economic retaliation from U.S. allies? Stay tuned.
