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A portrait of Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. president, is seen in the background while President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in a file photo from April 22. (Saul Loeb - AFP / Getty Images)

People Saying Reagan, Unlike Trump, Was a 'Free Trader' Don't Know Their History Well

By Randy DeSoto October 27, 2025 at 2:16pm

People like former Vice President Mike Pence, who describe the late President Ronald Reagan as a “free trader” in contrast to President Donald Trump, forget one very important qualifier: He supported free trade when it was also fair.

A review of Reagan’s record in relation to tariffs and other trade policies will put to rest the notion that the 40th president was simply a free trader.

Reagan used tariffs to protect American industries and workers, particularly when he felt other nations were not treating the U.S. fairly.

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Tags:

American history, Automobile, Donald Trump, History, Ronald Reagan, Trade and tariffs

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars