Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ronald Reagan

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. President (1981-1989), was a key figure in the American conservative movement and the Republican Party. His presidency, known as the Reagan era, saw significant policy changes and a shift in political landscape.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1961: Criticism of Medicare

In 1961, Reagan adapted his General Electric speeches to criticize Medicare, viewing its legislation as a threat to individual freedom in the United States.

1965: Voting Rights Act of 1965

Reagan opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

1967: Mulford Act and Therapeutic Abortion Act

In 1967, Reagan signed the Mulford Act, restricting public carrying of firearms, and the Therapeutic Abortion Act, allowing abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's health was at risk. He later expressed regret over the abortion act.

February 5, 1969: State of Emergency Declared at UC Berkeley

On February 5, 1969, Reagan declared a state of emergency in response to protests and violence at the University of California, Berkeley, and sent in the California Highway Patrol to restore order.

May 1969: Clash at People's Park

In May 1969, California Highway Patrol officers, along with local police, clashed with protesters over People's Park in Berkeley. One student was killed, and many officers and reporters were injured. Reagan sent the National Guard to occupy Berkeley.

February 1970: National Guard Deployed to UC Santa Barbara

In February 1970, Reagan deployed the National Guard to the University of California, Santa Barbara, in response to violent protests near the campus.

1970: Gubernatorial Election and Tax Policies

During his victorious reelection campaign in 1970, Reagan called for reduced government spending and tax hikes to balance the budget. He worked with Jesse M. Unruh on securing tax increases and promising future property tax cuts. Unruh then used Reagan's tax policy against him, saying it disproportionally favored the wealthy.

1972: People v. Anderson

In 1972, Reagan's efforts to enforce capital punishment were thwarted by People v. Anderson

1977: Critic of President Carter

In 1977, Reagan emerged as a vocal critic of President Carter, opposing the Panama Canal Treaty.

1980: Illegal drugs in High School Seniors

In 1980, 53 percent of high school seniors used illegal drugs.

August 1981: PATCO strike and mass firings

In August 1981, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) went on strike. On August 3, Reagan announced that he would fire controllers if they did not return to work within 48 hours. On August 13, Reagan fired approximately 12,000 striking air traffic controllers who ignored his order, weakening organized labor.

1982: Boland Amendment Passed

In 1982, Congress passed the Boland Amendment, prohibiting the CIA and Department of Defense from using their budgets to provide aid to the Contras in Nicaragua.

1982: Reagan intensifies the war on drugs

In 1982, President Reagan intensified the war on drugs in response to concerns about the increasing crack epidemic.

1982: Reagan impedes Soviet Union's access to hard currency

In 1982, President Reagan tried to cut off the Soviet Union's access to hard currency by impeding its proposed gas line to Western Europe.

1982: Arms Sale Reduction to Taiwan

In 1982, the Reagan administration agreed with the communist government in China to reduce arms sales to Taiwan.

March 1983: Reagan introduces Strategic Defense Initiative

In March 1983, President Reagan introduced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) to protect the United States from intercontinental ballistic missiles.

1983: Invasion of Grenada

In 1983, President Reagan ordered the invasion of Grenada.

1984: Federal Spending on AIDS

Between the fiscal years of 1984 and 1989, federal spending on AIDS totaled $5.6 billion. The Reagan administration proposed $2.8 billion during this time period, but pressure from congressional Democrats resulted in the larger amount.

September 1985: Reagan Calls AIDS Research A Top Priority

In September 1985, shortly after Rock Hudson announced his AIDS diagnosis, Reagan called a government AIDS research program a "top priority" in a press conference but cited budgetary constraints.

September 18, 1985: Reagan Did Not Mention AIDS

From September 18, 1985, to February 4, 1986, Reagan did not mention AIDS in public.

1985: American Hostages Taken in Lebanon

By mid-1985, Hezbollah began to take American hostages in Lebanon, holding seven of them in reaction to the United States' support of Israel.

1985: Crack epidemic

In 1985, Crack became widespread.

1985: State of the Union Address: Support for Freedom Fighters

In his 1985 State of the Union Address, Reagan proclaimed, "Support for freedom fighters is self-defense," which was part of the Reagan Doctrine to support anti-communist movements worldwide.

1985: Imposition of New Sanctions on South Africa

In late 1985, in response to public criticism of the constructive engagement policy, Reagan announced the imposition of new sanctions on the South African government, including an arms embargo.

November 1986: Iran-Contra Affair Exposure

In early November 1986, the Iran-Contra transactions were exposed by Ash-Shiraa. Following the exposure, Reagan initially denied any wrongdoing but later announced that John Poindexter and North had left the administration and that he would form the Tower Commission to investigate the transactions on November 25.

1986: Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act

In 1986, Congress approved the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act, which included tougher sanctions on South Africa. Reagan's veto was overridden by Congress.

1986: Anti-Drug Abuse Act

In 1986, President Reagan signed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act to specify penalties for drug offenses.

1986: Koop's Report on AIDS

In 1986, Reagan commissioned C. Everett Koop to develop a report on AIDS. Koop's recommendations, including sex education and condom usage, angered many evangelical conservatives.

1986: Bombing of Libya

In 1986, the United States bombed Libya during Reagan's second term.

February 1987: Release of Tower Commission Report

In February 1987, the Tower Commission released a report confirming that the Reagan administration had traded arms for hostages and sent the proceeds of the weapons sales to the Contras. The report criticized several White House staffers and noted that Reagan had "created the conditions which made possible the crimes committed by others".

1987: Reagan Vetoes Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987

In 1987, Reagan vetoed the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, but Congress overrode his veto.

March 1988: Reagan vetoes Civil Rights Restoration Act

In March 1988, President Reagan vetoed the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, arguing it expanded federal power excessively, but Congress overrode his veto.

1988: "Just Say No" campaign

In 1988, a study showed 39 percent of high school seniors using illegal drugs compared to 53 percent in 1980.

1989: Federal Spending on AIDS

1989: Support for Gun Control

In 1989, in his first public appearance after leaving office, Reagan publicly stated his support for gun control, specifically stating that "an AK-47, a machine gun, is not a sporting weapon or needed for the defense of the home".