The article discusses the ineffectiveness of tariff strategies proposed by former President Donald Trump, arguing that such approaches are not beneficial for workers in the United States or internationally. During the 1990s and 2000s, free-trade agreements negotiated by both Democratic and Republican administrations led to a significant decline in American manufacturing, resulting in job losses for numerous industrial workers. Consequently, many American communities experienced economic downturns and a loss of hope for the future.
This economic discontent fueled widespread displeasure with political leadership, which Trump capitalized on to win the 2016 and 2024 elections. Despite lacking evidence to support his claims, Trump promised that broad tariffs would revive American manufacturing by reopening factories. His strategy, however, seemed to disregard the complexities of global manufacturing systems and consequently destabilized the American economy, initiating a major stock market sell-off.
Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio, representing the Pittsburgh area, emphasized the need for a more thoughtful and pro-worker industrial policy rather than relying on tariffs. Deluzio argued that revitalizing American manufacturing necessitates strategic tariffs, renegotiated trade agreements, industrial investments, and policies that prioritize workers over corporate interests.
Following Trump’s announcement of a 10 percent tariff on various countries, Deluzio expressed support for using tariffs strategically against unfair trade practices while criticizing outdated free-trade policies. He highlighted the importance of nuanced economic strategies over Trump’s tariff approach, which, according to Deluzio, fails to support American workers and communities effectively.
U.S. Representative Mark Pocan from Wisconsin, alongside other critics like U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, further underscored the detrimental impact of indiscriminate tariffs, labeling them as taxes on average Americans. Khanna noted that Trump’s approach could betray working-class voters by raising costs and stifling economic innovation. A more balanced trade policy, according to Khanna, would involve strategic trade measures, not broad and unilateral tariffs, as a means to rebuild American manufacturing.
