Trump’s Tariff Hikes Might Sound Tough, But Here’s Why They’re a Huge Mistake

Let me be real with you for a second. I get it—tariffs sound like a strong move. They feel like America standing up for itself, protecting jobs, and fighting back against unfair trade practices. But here’s the thing: what sounds good on paper doesn’t always work in real life. And when it comes to President Trump’s decision to ramp up tariffs, I can’t help but think this is a huge mistake. Let me explain why.

First off, tariffs are taxes. Plain and simple. When we slap tariffs on imported goods, those costs don’t just disappear—they get passed on to us. Think about it: if the price of steel goes up because of tariffs, companies that use steel to make cars, appliances, or construction materials have to pay more. And guess what? They’re not just going to eat that cost. They’ll pass it on to you and me. So, while the idea of protecting American jobs sounds great, the reality is that we’re all going to end up paying more for everyday goods. Is that really helping anyone?

Then there’s the retaliation factor. Other countries aren’t just going to sit back and take it. When we hit them with tariffs, they hit us back. Remember when China slapped tariffs on American soybeans? Farmers were left holding the bag, and it took billions in government aid just to keep them afloat. That’s not a win—it’s a…