The Nonsense of the ‘Tariff Men’
The Nonsense of the ‘Tariff Men’
President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda exhibits no signs of a popular mandate. Recent polling found that 61 percent of the public believe raising tariffs will hurt average Americans, compared to just fourteen percent who see them as helpful. Seventy-six percent expect tariffs will produce increased prices at the store. Clear majorities also oppose Trump’s specific...
By Phillip W. Magness
The American Revolution Was a Fight for Free Trade
The American Revolution Was a Fight for Free Trade
Amid the ongoing revival of trade protectionism on the political right, a number of commentators associated with the “National Conservative” movement have attempted to enlist the founding fathers to the cause of tariffs. According to this narrative, America’s founders — led by Alexander Hamilton — charted a political course of economic nationalism to escape a...
By Phillip W. Magness