Chaos and Confusion: Trump Tariff Policy

Trump’s lack of understanding and competence is glaringly obvious to everyone, especially economists. At 79 years old, he is clearly showing his age.

Attempting to bring back manufacturing, increase revenue, and negotiate with every country in the world? Trump can’t have it all his way.

The administration is trying to sell the public on three conflicting ideas. First, that Trump’s tariffs will revive American manufacturing, bringing back lost jobs and boosting the middle class. Second, that the tariffs will generate massive revenue to replace income tax. And third, that the tariffs will pressure foreign nations into trade deals with the U.S.

Trump’s tariffs impact nearly every country, even those that supply goods the U.S. cannot produce. We can’t grow bananas or mine diamonds here.

Trump is failing to support domestic industries or protect American workers. He is dismantling subsidies meant to boost clean energy manufacturing and calling for the repeal of important acts. His actions are undermining workers and unions.

The end result is chaos and confusion.

Trump has long championed tariffs and protectionist policies, dating back to the late 1980s. This is one of the few policies he is truly committed to. It’s possible these tariffs stem from personal whims rather than a coherent policy plan. Personal impulses rarely lead to coherent decisions.