More of my thoughts about Donald Trump's economic protectionist policy

Hello,

Hello,


I have just looked at the following new video from FOX Business in US from Larry Kudlow , and you can read more about him here on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Kudlow , and i invite you to look at it:

Larry Kudlow: Trump is absolutely right about this tough tariff diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2poofirbZs


So the above new video from the american called Larry Kudlow of FOX Business doesn't speak about an important fact that is the following: Trump's approach draws inspiration from late 19th-century economic policies, particularly those of President William McKinley, who advocated for high tariffs to protect American industries and generate federal revenue. So i think that president Donald Trump wants to follow the protectionist model , with significant tariffs , that was followed President William McKinley , but i think that Donald Trump way of doing is not so smart , since i invite you to read my following thoughts so that you notice it:

President Donald Trump has recently implemented significant tariffs, including a 25% levy on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing concerns over illegal fentanyl imports. These actions reflect his broader strategy to protect domestic industries and reduce trade deficits. ([apnews.com](
https://apnews.com/article/753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Trump's approach draws inspiration from late 19th-century economic policies, particularly those of President William McKinley, who advocated for high tariffs to protect American industries and generate federal revenue. McKinley's era, known as the Gilded Age, was marked by rapid industrial growth and significant territorial expansion. ([thetimes.co.uk](
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gilded-age-donald-trump-golden-7srnlt25m?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

However, the global economic landscape has evolved considerably since McKinley's time. While protectionist tariffs in the late 1800s aimed to bolster emerging American industries, today's economy is deeply interconnected through global supply chains. Implementing high tariffs now could lead to increased costs for consumers and businesses, potential retaliatory measures from trade partners, and disruptions in international trade relationships. ([apnews.com](
https://apnews.com/article/753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

In summary, while emulating McKinley's protectionist model aligns with Trump's vision of economic self-reliance, the complexities of the modern global economy suggest that such an approach may not yield the intended benefits and could introduce significant economic challenges.

- [apnews.com](
https://apnews.com/article/753a09d56cd318f2eb1d2efe3c43b7d4?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [wsj.com](
https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-economic-vision-policy-plan-e570b32b?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- [thetimes.co.uk](
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/gilded-age-donald-trump-golden-7srnlt25m?utm_source=chatgpt.com)


But , other than that , if we compare Trump's protectionist policies to historical models of successful protectionism , they might be **too extreme** or **not well-balanced**. Here’s why:

1. **McKinley’s Model vs. Trump’s Tariffs:**
- William McKinley used **targeted tariffs** to protect **specific** industries while still maintaining healthy trade relationships.
- Trump's tariffs, especially a **blanket 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico**, are much broader and could disrupt essential supply chains.

2. **Protectionism vs. Trade Wars:**
- Effective protectionism focuses on **strategic sectors** rather than imposing high tariffs across the board.
- Excessive tariffs can lead to **retaliatory measures**, hurting domestic businesses and consumers.

3. **Short-Term Leverage vs. Long-Term Economic Policy:**
- If Trump's tariffs are meant to **force other countries to act on security issues** (e.g., drug cartels, immigration), they might be temporary.
- However, if they become **long-term trade barriers**, they could lead to inefficiencies and economic slowdowns, which contradict the McKinley model of industrial growth.

### Verdict:
Trump’s policies **lean toward excessive protectionism** rather than a **balanced, strategic approach** like McKinley’s. If the goal is to **strengthen U.S. industries**, a better model would be **targeted tariffs** instead of across-the-board trade restrictions that risk retaliation.


Also, president Donald Trump approach toward the European Union (EU) appears to be driven by broader trade considerations , since Trump has also criticized the EU for what he perceives as unfair trade practices, highlighting issues like the limited importation of American automobiles and agricultural products into European markets. He argues that these practices contribute to a significant trade deficit for the U.S. In response, he has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on EU products, though specific details and timelines have not been provided.

Other than that , i invite you to read my previous post about president Donald Trump's economic model:

https://myphilo10.blogspot.com/2025/01/is-president-donald-trump-economic.html


Thank you,
Amine Moulay Ramdane.



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