My History Can Beat Up Your Politics DONALD TRUMP'S 1987 NEW YORK TIMES AD Attacking Oil Ship Escorts and More
Mar 20, 2026
A look at a provocative 1987 full-page New York Times ad and why it stunned politics. Discussion of a developer’s push for allies to pay for U.S. oil convoy protection. Examination of the media strategy behind costly ads and how they generate publicity. Context on Gulf naval operations, a tragic civilian shootdown, and how wartime politics reshapes public opinion.
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Trump's 1987 Demand That Allies Pay For Naval Protection
- Donald Trump in 1987 argued the US was protecting foreign oil shipments for allies who refuse to pay and even refused logistical help like Saudi minesweepers.
- The ad pressured allies to reimburse defense costs and framed US policy as being taken advantage of, costing Trump $100,000 for maximum press impact.
How A $100,000 NYT Ad Bought Trump Massive Press
- The full-page New York Times ad cost Donald Trump $100,000 and generated heavy media coverage the following days.
- Trump used the ad less as policy detail and more as a publicity gambit to create buzz ahead of a possible presidential bid.
Earnest Will Sent Dozens Of US Ships To Protect Gulf Shipping
- Operation Earnest Will (July 1987–Sept 1988) placed 20–40 U.S. Navy ships in the Gulf to escort tankers, including mine-detection helicopters and special operations platforms.
- The campaign led to incidents like Samuel B. Roberts hitting a mine and Operation Praying Mantis retaliatory strikes.