Thursday, February 26, 2026

Inflation by Tariff Never Happened

 Tariffs have been a significant part of American policy since the nation's founding, often debated in terms of their impact on the economy and national independence. This summary explores the historical context, recent developments in tariff usage, and their effects on inflation and the economy under President Trump.

1. Historical Context: Tariffs were crucial for federal revenue and economic independence from 1789 until the late 1800s. Over time, free trade ideology emerged, labeling tariffs as damaging.

2. Smoot-Hawley Legislation: The 1930 Smoot-Hawley tariff became associated with the Great Depression, leading to a negative perception of tariffs.

3. Political and Corporate Influence: Multinational corporations and political figures have framed tariffs as harmful, despite their historical importance and current use by other nations as tools for economic gain.

4. Trump Administration’s Approach: Trump countered the negative narrative around tariffs, using them strategically to leverage bargaining, enhance national security, and support industry.

5. Economic Outcomes: Despite predictions of inflation and recession due to tariffs, recent reports show stable inflation rates, challenging prior assumptions. Manufacturing is returning to the U. S., boosting job creation and GDP.

Tariffs have been vilified selectively in American politics. Current economic indicators suggest that the impacts of tariffs may not be as harmful as critics claim, and they could lead to a more prosperous economy if strategically implemented. The political future depends significantly on the outcome of Tariff strategies.

https://canadafreepress.com/article/inflation-by-tariff-never-happened

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