As Trump enters office, he brings a sweeping round of tariffs for countries around the globe. Read on for more of ONC interns’ takes on Trump’s tariff crusade.
Take 1: Tariffs Won’t Save Us from the Taxman
Trump’s tariffs are part of a broader narrative of retaking American dominance from the far-away nations that stole the United States’ manufacturing base. The idea of slapping the lefty Europeans around is just too good for most backers of Trump, who are distant enough to see the Marxist radicalization of virtually every country in the West. However, they are a broad, unwieldy market tool that would result in more self-inflicted damage before any benefits can be felt. Though the Europeans may not deserve it, America needs their trade, and massive tariffs will only cause them to triangulate with China. On this basis, his claim that funding from these magical tariffs will eliminate the need for an income tax is also selling a false dream.
– Eric McElveen
Take 2: Tariffs Can’t Carry the Tax Burden
As the Trump administration heightens tariffs the world eagerly awaits the heavily anticipated repercussions. Higher prices for consumer goods are being predicted as well as other consequences for inflation that will be felt primarily through the middle class of the U.S. Manipulation of the economy is likely to be needed to alleviate the crushing pressure U.S. consumers will face, however extreme measures such as eliminating federal income tax is too drastic in light of the U.S.’s uncertain future. If this were to occur, the removal of tariffs would be very difficult, which would discourage foreign negotiation over the tariffs, depleting their initial purpose. We cannot assume that in the near future or even by the end of this current administration that the course of tariffs will be stable enough to base the infrastructure of our entire federal government, therefore this notion is implausible.
-Maelyn Eversole
Take 3: A Tax Cut for the Rich, a Price Hike for the Rest
The president’s proposal to abolish the federal income tax might feel like a breath of fresh air—until you realize who it really helps. Because of the progressive nature of the current system, the biggest winners are those already making the most. In exchange, we get tariffs that quietly raise the cost of everyday essentials, no matter how much you earn. For lower-income families, that’s not a relief. It’s another burden. It’s frustrating to see a policy pitched as middle-class support end up making life even harder for those already stretched to their limits. Fairness shouldn’t come with a hidden price tag.