Former President Ronald Reagan's voice resonated once again this week, thanks to an Ontario tariff advertisement that sparked a strong reaction from President Donald Trump. This situation has highlighted several key points regarding the contrasting leadership styles and policies of the two presidents.

First, while Trump often poses in front of Reagan's portrait in the Oval Office and has adopted some of Reagan's slogans, such as "Make America Great Again" and "Peace Through Strength," he does not embody Reagan's political or economic philosophy. Reagan spent 16 years before his presidency articulating his vision, from his influential "Time for Choosing" speech in 1964 to his two terms as California's governor and his presidential campaigns. The radio address featured in the Ontario ad showcased Reagan's calm and reasoned approach, devoid of theatrics or personal attacks. It served as a reminder of a time when presidential leadership was characterized by civility and respect.

Second, Reagan's radio addresses were a hallmark of his presidency, reflecting his respect for voters. He used these addresses to explain his policies, including the rationale behind imposing tariffs, which was a departure from his usual trade stance. This tradition, reminiscent of Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats, allowed Reagan to engage directly with the public, treating them as intelligent participants in the democratic process. In contrast, Trump initially embraced this tradition but abandoned it early in his presidency.

Third, the Ontario ad struck a chord with the American public, which may have contributed to Trump's irritation. Trump has consistently faced low approval ratings, while Reagan enjoyed high popularity during and after his presidency. The ad's focus on Reagan, coupled with the unpopularity of Trump's tariff policies, particularly against Canada, further emphasized the contrast between the two leaders. Many Americans are confused by Trump's trade war with Canada, especially given Reagan's enduring popularity.

Fourth, the proposed 10 percent tariff increase on Canadian goods highlighted the unpredictability of Trump's trade policies. This situation has raised questions about the rationale behind such decisions, especially when they could negatively impact American consumers and manufacturers who rely on Canadian imports.

Fifth, Trump's response to the Reagan ad may weaken his position in an upcoming Supreme Court case regarding his tariffs. The administration has faced setbacks in lower courts, and the justices are likely to scrutinize whether Trump's emotional reaction to a commercial can justify the use of emergency economic powers to impose tariffs.

Lastly, the incident underscores the challenges Trump faces as a Republican president in a landscape where Reagan's legacy continues to resonate positively with many Americans. The juxtaposition of their leadership styles and public perceptions may have significant implications for Trump's administration moving forward.