For decades, American political discourse has revolved around the opinions of a few elite publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. These outlets often represent the interests of their readers and contributors, leaving alternative viewpoints marginalized. Donald Trump, however, significantly challenged this status quo. According to Tom Piatik’s retrospective on Trump’s tariff policy, his longstanding critique of free trade and support for tariffs reshaped political and economic discussions.
Trump’s unconventional stance on tariffs became a defining feature of his presidency, particularly with regard to China. Critics warned that these tariffs would plunge the U.S. into an economic downturn and provoke a trade war. Yet, contrary to these predictions, Trump’s tariffs contributed to a robust economic performance. According to economist Ian Fletcher, Trump’s policies led to the creation of 7 million new jobs, including 449,000 manufacturing jobs in 2017 and 2018—the largest increase in 30 years. The unemployment rate reached historic lows, and income gains were particularly pronounced among the lower-income brackets.
The Trump administration’s tariffs also played a role in negotiating the phase one trade deal with China, which promised an increase in American exports and retains some tariffs to ensure further concessions from China. This deal was hailed by some as a significant achievement in long-standing economic conflicts.
Trump’s use of tariffs extended beyond trade, influencing immigration policy by compelling Mexico to address illegal migration issues. This demonstrated that tariffs, often criticized by elites, can be a powerful tool in advancing American interests and achieving significant policy objectives. Trump’s economic strategy challenges the conventional wisdom of the elite media and underscores the potential effectiveness of tariffs in reshaping both domestic and international policies. We should not be too quick to buy into elite opinion and write them off.
This post originally appeared at https://www.phyllisschlafly.com/constitution/taxes/did-trumps-tariffs-work/
