Trump and his schizophrenic ideas are dizzying, with his reasoning struggling to keep up. Initially, he promoted tariffs to bring back American jobs and reduce foreign reliance. Then, he claimed they were needed to stop exploitation, control the deficit, pressure countries, and even address drug use and border security. None of these justifications hold up, nor are tariffs a solution.
Trump and his supporters believe the U.S. needs a strongman leader, yet overlook the need for intelligence, strategy, and professionalism. A true leader should speak logically and confidently, with a clear plan and follow-through, and at the very least stand up straight.
Instead, we have a leader who’s in cognitive decline, discussing topics superficially, with limited understanding and a narrow worldview. He often whines when things don't go his way and backtracks on his statements. Trump resembles a high school bully, unable to engage in meaningful conversation, resorting to fighting instead of using words… And he can’t stand up straight.
Brilliant Idea To Force Submission
Trump ordered 25% tariffs for all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, and 10% tariffs on goods imported from China. He announced more tariffs were soon to come but not until March.
Two days later, with a stock market on the verge of crashing, Mr. Strongman, who originally claimed there was nothing the countries could do to delay the tariffs, is now delaying tariffs.
It seems Trump’s idea to use tariffs did actually force submission, just not with the right Country.
Despite proving how weak he is, Trump’s supporters are still cheering him on. Astonishingly, these same people voted for Trump, claiming everything costs so much and Trump is the only one who can fix it.
Let’s see how well that’s going...
The Most Beautiful Word In The Dictionary
Any person who admits to believing “tariff” is the most beautiful word in the dictionary, should have their “MAGA man” card revoked, but whatever…
Trump supporters believe tariffs are meant to punish foreign countries and force them to pay the US government. While the government gets paid alright, it isn’t by foreign countries.
Basic economics 101 dictates the retail price of an item directly reflects how much it cost to make it plus a profit margin. You don’t have to be a business major to understand the concept, it is a pretty easy one to get. It also doesn’t take a business degree to figure out extra fee increases related to a product, will increase the consumer’s cost too. Everything from the rent for the building the product is made in, materials needed, right down to wages, packaging—and tariffs… there is no exception.
So anyone who’s old enough to make a purchase should be able to comprehend that if tariffs raise import costs, companies compensate by increasing prices, making everyday goods more expensive for American consumers.
What Is Trump's Tariff Strategy?
Trump’s tariff plan lacks clear logic. He gives us a different reason for the tariffs every time he talks about them. But so far he claims tariffs will:
Bring back manufacturing jobs—Higher costs make U.S. production less feasible, not more.
Lower the deficit—Tariffs may generate revenue but at the direct expense of American consumers.
Improve border security—Threatening trade partners over fentanyl is ineffective when most fentanyl enters the U.S. through legal entry points by American citizens.
Destabilize foreign economies to absorb them into the U.S.—A bizarre notion that underestimates global economic resilience and ignores how trade wars also harm the U.S.
Tariffs won’t accomplish any of this, but they will backfire… here’s why:
Tariffs will not encourage companies to relocate to the US, it is more likely it will push companies to seek another cheap alternative. Frankly, even with the tariffs, most imported goods are still cheaper than domestically made. There is a reason manufacturers aren’t already here and domestic companies import goods: it is too expensive to make things in the US.
First, Americans demand higher wages, benefits, and safe working conditions—rightfully so.
This means products made in the U.S. cost significantly more than imported goods.
Example: A pair of Nike shoes made in China costs $50 to manufacture. The same shoes made in the U.S. would cost over $150 and that does not include profit margins.
Also, we don't have the workforce
The U.S. does not have enough factory workers to meet demand.
Many manufacturing jobs require skilled labor, and training takes years.
Low birth rates and immigration restrictions mean we can’t replace retiring workers fast enough.
We lack the infrastructure
U.S. factories have been shutting down for decades due to automation and outsourcing.
Building new factories takes years and costs billions.
Even if we could build new plants, we’d still need raw materials—which we mostly import.
Currently, there are plenty of jobs available and not enough people to fill them, and this is going to get even worse as deportations increase. Because of these factors, forcing American companies to “buy American” won’t work—they’ll just import from different countries, pass the cost onto consumers, or be forced to close their business.
We Already Know How Bad Trump’s Tariffs Are
The last time Trump imposed tariffs, they triggered the highest tax increase on Americans in decades—nearly $80 billion. His new plan would be far worse.
Inflation Spike & Interest Rate Hikes – Higher prices would undo recent progress in stabilizing inflation, forcing the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates again. That means higher mortgage rates, more expensive car loans, and increased credit card debt.
Job Losses in Export Industries – Other countries will retaliate with tariffs of their own, hurting U.S. exports. Canada and Mexico buy over $850 billion in American goods annually. Retaliatory tariffs could devastate farmers, automakers, and tech manufacturers, leading to 500,000 to 1 million job losses.
Supply Chain Disruptions – U.S. businesses rely on global supply chains. Higher costs will force some companies to cut workers or shut down, while others will import from different countries instead of switching to American-made goods.
How Much Will Tariffs Cost Americans?
The U.S. imports $3.3 trillion in goods annually, nearly half from Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump’s proposed tariffs on these countries would increase costs for Americans dramatically. If Trump imposes tariffs on all imported goods, as he says he will, the average American household can see increases of almost $5,000 a year on everyday household items.
Goods Made in the US - Compound Effect
Trump argues tariffs will encourage American manufacturing, but even U.S.-made products rely on imported components. Tariffs inflate production costs at every stage.
Imagine a jacket made by an American company costs $85 before tariffs are implemented. Most fabrics and sewing notions are imported, so let’s say the US company imports fabric, thread, zippers, buttons, and fasteners. With Trump’s plan, each of these imported components would be hit with its own tariff. After the tariffs, the price of the jacket will increase by about 75% (5 imported components each with 15% tariffs), and the consumer will have to pay $150 for the same jacket they could have gotten for $85 before.
The same applies to:
Auto industry – Car parts from Canada and Mexico will be taxed, raising vehicle prices by $3,000-5,000 per car.
Technology – Semiconductors and electronic components will cost more, increasing prices on phones, laptops, and appliances by 15-25%.
Food and agriculture - Imported produce like avocados and tomatoes, will be 20-30% more, and meat prices will rise due to a higher cost for feed.
Construction and Housing: Home prices will rise by 10-15% as a result of high costs for steel and lumber.
Retail: Clothes, furniture, and other household goods will increase by about 10-30%.
Are Tariffs Ever a Good Idea?
Tariffs are not inherently bad when thoughtfully and strategically designed. They can protect emerging industries or prevent unfair trade practices. Historically, tariffs have been used successfully in two key ways:
Targeted Tariffs on Specific Industries – The U.S. has sometimes imposed tariffs to counteract unfair subsidies or dumping (when foreign companies sell products below cost to dominate a market). For example, steel tariffs in the 1980s helped protect U.S. steelmakers from unfairly cheap imports.
Short-Term Tariffs for Industry Growth – Some countries use temporary tariffs to nurture domestic industries until they can compete globally. South Korea did this with its automotive sector in the 1970s and 1980s.
Examples of Smart Tariff Use:
China’s Steel Dumping (2018): The U.S. placed tariffs on specific types of Chinese steel because China was selling steel below market value to undercut competition. This protected domestic steelmakers without hurting industries dependent on imported materials.
South Korean Washing Machines (2018): Tariffs on unfairly subsidized South Korean washing machines gave U.S. manufacturers like Whirlpool a chance to compete, leading to new jobs in American factories.
European Wine Tariffs (2021): Tariffs were applied as retaliation for unfair trade practices in aircraft subsidies. They were later negotiated away in exchange for better trade terms.
The key to effective tariffs is selective targeting, ensuring they correct unfair trade imbalances without crippling U.S. businesses and consumers. All things Trump has never considered because he is incapable of doing so.
The Bottom Line
Tariffs do not punish foreign countries; they punish American businesses and consumers. Trump's tariff plan is a hidden tax on every household, increasing costs across the board without delivering the benefits he promises. If implemented, it will shrink the economy, drive up prices, and leave Americans paying the price—literally.
Part 4 Stealing Privilege From Private Schools: School Vouchers - Coming Soon
References
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