Trump’s tariffs: How Democrats are responding | Vox

Democratic Disarray Over Trump's Tariffs

The article examines the conflicting viewpoints within the Democratic Party regarding President Trump's tariffs. While some, like Rep. Chris Deluzio, argue that while tariffs are needed, Trump's approach is chaotic, others strongly condemn the tariffs as a middle-class tax hike causing increased prices and recession risks.

Analyzing the Arguments

The author challenges Deluzio's claims, arguing that:

• Free trade hasn't hollowed out American industry; manufacturing output remains high despite job losses due to economic shifts and automation.
• Free trade has largely benefited American workers, increasing real personal income.
• Tariffs, while possibly beneficial in specific situations (e.g., NAFTA renegotiation), generally harm poor workers in exporting countries and raise prices for American consumers.

The author concludes that Deluzio's nuanced approach, while potentially suitable for certain districts, isn't politically optimal nationally, as the economic pain from tariffs is likely to sway public opinion against protectionism regardless of Democratic messaging.

Political Implications

Public opinion on trade is complex, with some Americans favoring protectionism. However, recent polls suggest that support for Trump's tariffs is decreasing due to their negative economic consequences. The author suggests that Democrats should focus on highlighting the harmful economic impacts of Trump's policies rather than engaging in a broader debate about free trade.