A 1988 speech by Ronald Reagan resurfaced in a montage on La Joute, criticizing Donald Trump’s trade policies. Reagan condemned tariffs against allies, warning about the dangers of protectionism and referencing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which led to the Great Depression. Trump has countered Reagan’s legacy, claiming that better trade understanding could have changed outcomes. This contrast has sparked intense debate among panelists, highlighting Trump’s contradictions and raising concerns over the current political climate.
Reagan’s Warning Echoes Through Time
A speech given by Ronald Reagan in 1988, during his presidency, has recently resurfaced in a montage that aired on La Joute, casting a critical light on Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The Perils of Protectionism
In this compelling footage, the former Republican president vehemently denounced the threats of tariffs against America’s allies. He recounted the disastrous impact of protectionism, referencing the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which promised to safeguard American jobs but instead led to the Great Depression. “The reality was far different from the promises made. Our peaceful trading partners are not our enemies,” Reagan stated, cautioning against politicians eager to instigate trade wars that undermine the economy, national security, and the global free market.
Despite Reagan’s strong condemnation of such policies, Donald Trump, the current president, has publicly criticized Reagan’s trade legacy. “If we had had presidents who understood trade better, we would be in a different position. I admire Reagan, but he was not effective in this area,” Trump asserted.
This juxtaposition of Reagan’s warnings and Trump’s criticisms has ignited passionate discussions among the La Joute panelists. Yasmine Abdelfadel remarked, “This montage deserves to be broadcast across all American networks during prime time. It starkly illustrates how Donald Trump has contributed to a moral and ideological decline, not just for the United States but for the Republican Party as well.” Abdelfadel pointed out Trump’s contradictions, highlighting his current criticism of a free trade agreement he previously endorsed during his first term. “It’s almost as if he has forgotten his own actions,” she noted.
Colleague Gaétan Barrette, a doctor and former Minister of Health, humorously diagnosed Trump’s behavior as “the beginning of dementia,” reflecting the panel’s concern over the current political landscape.
For those interested in the full discussion, be sure to check out the video above.