Tax Reform Jersey
Artifact ID1986.00854.02
Object Type
Shirt
Gifter
Dirk Van Dongen
Date
1986
Medium
Fabric
DimensionsSize Extra Large
Physical DescriptionA white football jersey with a mesh body lettered “TAX REFORM, 1986 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: RONALD * REAGAN*” in red iron-on letters on the front. It has a large black number, “1,” and is lettered “TAX REFORM ACTION COALITION *TRAC*” in red iron-on letters.Historical NoteDirk Van Dongen with the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors presented the jersey to President Ronald Reagan during a briefing on tax reform held in the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB) on September 23, 1986. There he said, "We are on the verge of a historic event for this country in terms of economic policy and indeed, I think, social policy, because this legislation is major deregulation. It would not have occurred as Secretary Baker and Mr. Regan mentioned in their remarks, clearly, without your leadership, your visionary leadership, your commitment. We would not be standing here today were it not for that. You have been the quarterback of tax reform. You are, indeed, the most valuable player of tax reform. And in recognition of that, we in the Tax Reform Action Coalition would like to present you with this football jersey commemorating -- [laughter] -- you as the most valuable player of tax reform."
President Reagan responded, "Thank you. Don suggested throwing it, but I'm afraid you wouldn't throw it back. [Laughter] Well, I want to thank you very much. Having played in the line in all my football years -- guard, right guard, that is -- [laughter] -- I was like every other lineman. We all really thought that the backfielder's job was easy and that we could do it better or as well. And now, at last, I've made quarterback."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)