More of my thoughts about Donald Trump's economic protectionist policy
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**. Heres
why:
1. **McKinleys Model vs. Trumps 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:
Trumps policies **lean toward excessive protectionism**
rather than a **balanced, strategic approach** like McKinleys.
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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