A TruthSocial post by President Trump claims the Ronald Reagan Foundation exposed Canada for using deceptively edited footage of the former U.S. president to sway public opinion during a critical trade dispute. The controversy centers on an ad produced by Canada that selectively edits a 1980s speech by Reagan, omitting key context to present tariffs as inherently harmful.

The original video, which was heavily censored in the ad, shows Reagan addressing Congress and emphasizing the importance of preserving presidential authority to impose tariffs as a strategic tool in international negotiations. The edited version, however, only includes the first half of his speech, where he frames tariffs as a temporary measure that risks long-term economic harm.

Reagan’s full message, which was excluded from the ad, highlights the potential consequences of restricting a president’s ability to negotiate trade deals. He warns against legislative efforts to limit tariff authority, arguing that such moves could undermine U.S. economic interests and destabilize global markets. The omission of this section has drawn accusations of manipulation, with critics claiming Canada distorted Reagan’s intent to advance its own agenda in the ongoing trade war.

The ad’s creators have not publicly addressed the allegations, but the controversy underscores broader debates about how historical figures’ words are used in modern political discourse. The case also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of media outlets and governments when repurposing archival material for contemporary agendas.