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April 30, 2026

Senator Kevin Cramer, Chairman Jason Smith, Governor Bill Lee, and Additional Leaders to Speak at Reagan National Economic Forum

New speakers highlight RNEF’s role as a leading forum for economic policy, growth, and American competitiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute today announced additional confirmed speakers for the 2026 Reagan National Economic Forum (RNEF), including Sen. Kevin Cramer, United States Senator from North Dakota; Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; Gov. Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee; and Hon. William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

These leaders will join a growing roster of senior policymakers, business executives, and thought leaders convening May 28–29, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. The theme of RNEF 2026 is “Building the American Future: Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity at 250.”

RNEF brings together senior policymakers, C-suite executives, innovators, and thought leaders from across the United States. Its mission is to advance economic, fiscal, and monetary policies that will sustain and strengthen American opportunity, innovation, and prosperity in the context of fierce global competition, threats to America’s national security, and significant domestic challenges and opportunities. 

“At a time when economic policy is central to both national competitiveness and global leadership, RNEF is convening decision-makers who are shaping America’s future,” said David Trulio, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “These additional speakers bring critical perspectives on tax policy, trade, energy, and economic statecraft.”

The newly announced speakers reflect the breadth of policy and market forces shaping the U.S. economy—from tax and trade policy to domestic investment, economic strategy, and global competition.

“From Congress to the Cabinet to state leadership and financial markets, these voices will help drive serious, forward-looking discussions about how the United States can sustain growth and continue to be competitive in a rapidly changing global economy,” said Roger Zakheim, Washington Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Newly announced speakers include:

  • Mr. Zach Abrams, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Bridge

  • Sen. Kevin Cramer, United States Senate, North Dakota

  • Mr. Ted Decker, Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Home Depot

  • Mr. Niccolo de Masi, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, IonQ

  • Mr. Scott Keller, Partner, Lehotsky Keller Cohn LLP

  • Hon. William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

  • Dr. Adriana Kugler, Professor of Public Policy and Economics, Georgetown University

  • Gov. Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee

  • Dr. Joshua Rauh, George P. Shultz Senior Fellow in Economics, Hoover Institution

  • Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee, U.S. House of Representatives

Previously announced speakers include Mr. Jamie Dimon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JPMorganChase; Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska; Hon. Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Mr. Charlie Scharf, Chief Executive Officer of Wells Fargo; Hon. Gina Raimondo, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce; and Mr. Horacio Rozanski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Booz Allen, among others. A full and growing list of speakers can be found HERE.

The Forum builds on President Reagan’s economic legacy of growth and prosperity by convening leaders committed to strengthening American competitiveness and opportunity for all. 

Additional speakers and program details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Attendance at RNEF is by invitation only. Media, including podcasters, bloggers, and writers who wish to attend, must request credentials HERE and a member of the media relations team will follow up to confirm credentials.

What: Reagan National Economic Forum

Who: C-suite executives, founders, Members of Congress, Executive Branch leaders, former top officials, scholars, and members of the press

When: Thursday, May 28, and Friday, May 29, 2026 

Where: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065

For more information, visit RNEF.com or follow @ReaganInstitute.

About the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students.

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tell the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions.

Contact:

RNEF@invariantgr.com