The Republican Party has transformed dramatically since President Ronald Reagan died on June 5, 1994, posing an important question for the new generation of conservative leaders — how can they use his principles to meet the challenges of today?
It’s a query that expert panelists will grapple with on Wednesday afternoon during the 20th anniversary celebration of Reagan’s passing, being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley where Reagan and his wife Nancy were laid to rest.
It’s also the mission that daily drives David Trulio, CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.
“As an organization it is very important for us to make sure we are very clearly imparting the lessons of President Reagan’s presidency and also making the case for why his values of individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength and national pride are really valuable principles for Americans to embrace,” said Trulio.
The organization will use the anniversary of Reagan’s passing to host a series of conversations reflecting on his major accomplishments and considering the lessons they hold for modern leaders.
Trulio said he’s particularly looking forward to the conversation between Ben Mulroney, son of the late Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Carol Thatcher, daughter of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, which will be moderated by Peggy Noonan, former speech writer and special assistant to Reagan. Both Brian Mulroney and Margaret Thatcher were in power during Reagan’s presidency and good friends with the former president.
“The perspective, 20 years later, of each world leaders’ daughter and son, I think is going to be fascinating,” said Trulio. “And the fact that it will be moderated by our own Peggy Noonan, who is a trustee of the Reagan Foundation and a brilliant thinker, is especially exciting.”
While some people may feel that MAGA Republicanism has led the Grand Ole Party astray from Reagan’s values, Trulio does not believe that his principles are currently under threat.
Rather, he thinks America is facing a unique opportunity to apply these principles, as today’s domestic and foreign policy challenges bear a striking resemblance to those Reagan dealt with. They include high inflation, economic competition with a communist-run regime, war with authoritarian forces and a sense that America is on a downward slide.
“The lessons of the successes of the Reagan administration — where there was a huge economic boom, inflation came down, real household net worth went up, unemployment went down, there was a restoration of American pride and ultimately the successful resolution of the Cold War — those are very, very relevant to today,” Trulio said.
When it comes to foreign policy, Reagan’s principles of freedom and democracy, as well as peace though strength, can be used as motivation to ensure America continues to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia, Trulio said. It can also serve as encouragement to oppose China’s oppression of democracy in Taiwan and civil liberties in Hong Kong, he added.
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Domestically speaking, Reagan’s passage of critical legislation — such as the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and the Social Security Reform Act of 1983 — demonstrates the power of working across the aisle to bring solutions to the American people, he said.
“I think especially in a very divided time, it’s valuable to look at President Reagan’s approach,” he said. “Nobody would accuse him of being a squish, but he was able to get in the room with Democrats in a civil way and achieve great things for the American people.”
On the economic front, Reagan’s success in reviving the flagging economy of the 1980s serves as an important reminder of the power of supporting small businesses and lowering regulatory burdens, said Trulio.
Reagan’s successes at home and abroad will be examined by panelists during the anniversary celebration. Then on Thursday, June 6, a fresh set of experts — including 66th Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Burt — will gather at the library to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which is also the 40th anniversary of Reagan’s famous speeches in Normandy.
“That will certainly underscore the importance of the tremendous shared sacrifice among America’s allies in freedom and democracy,” said Trulio. “And I would certainly draw the tie that it’s very important for America and its allies to stay strong, so that we never have to fight a war like that again.”
The Reagan Library is home to 55 million historic papers and 60,000 artifacts chronicling the life and leadership of Ronald and Nancy Reagan; a section of the Berlin Wall; Reagan’s Air Force One and Marine One; and a series of rotating and permanent exhibits. More information on both Wednesday and Thursday’s events can be found at www.reaganfoundation.org.
