Which U.S. President stated, "It's still trust but verify. It's still play, but cut the cards. It's still watch closely. And don't be afraid to see what you see"?

The quote "It's still trust but verify. It's still play, but cut the cards. It's still watch closely. And don't be afraid to see what you see" is attributed to Ronald Reagan. This phrase exemplifies Reagan's pragmatic approach to diplomacy, particularly in the context of arms control negotiations during the Cold War.

The expression "trust but verify" is derived from a Russian proverb and emphasizes the importance of verification in international agreements, showcasing a critical balance between trust in negotiations and the necessity of confirming compliance. Reagan was known for promoting strategies that encouraged dialogue with adversaries while maintaining a vigilant stance on national security matters.

Additionally, the sentiment of "play, but cut the cards" and "watch closely" reinforces the need for caution and due diligence, highlighting the complexities involved in international relations and agreements, where a degree of skepticism is necessary, even in cooperative engagements. This approach underlines Reagan's belief in both engagement and scrutiny as essential components of effective diplomacy.