Vol. 06 · Misquoted ·Speech ·311 of 348
"Trust, but verify. — Ronald Reagan"
They never said that.
What people say
"Trust, but verify. — Ronald Reagan"
What was actually said
Doveryai, no proveryai — a Russian proverb Reagan adopted during INF Treaty talks (1987). Ronald Reagan (quoting Russian) — Reagan, signing statement at INF Treaty, 8 December 1987
Why it stuck
Reagan's habitual use made the phrase feel like his coinage. It is a Russian proverb he learned from Suzanne Massie to deploy in arms-control talks.
Gorbachev reportedly replied, "You repeat that at every meeting."
Know another line by heart?
Play the duel and see how many you can spot. Or browse the whole shelf.