Read this passage from a speech given by President Ronald Reagan in 1987: And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control. Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

What aspect of President Reagan's role in the collapse of communism does this passage illustrate?
A. His distrust of Mikhail Gorbachev and his continual threat to attack the Soviet Union.
B. His work to restructure the economy of the Soviet Union through perestroika.
C. His policy of sending monetary aid to the Soviet Union so it could overcome communism.
D. His practice of placing a great deal of political pressure on the Soviet Union to make drastic changes.