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Guest column: In defense of Trump’s tariff and trade policies
by John Hendrickson · Op-Ed · April 30, 2025
“I believe in the protective tariff policy and know we will be calling for its saving Americanism again,” stated President Warren G. Harding.
Over a hundred years later, President Donald Trump is implementing a tariff policy to restore the American economy.
The policy of protectionism is hardly unorthodox. For most of the nation’s history, tariffs were utilized as the source of revenue to finance the federal government and to protect the economy.
Tariffs were a pillar of Republican presidential administrations from Abraham Lincoln through Herbert Hoover, and the policy was featured prominently in party platforms.
Protectionism does not mean a rejection of trade, but rather a realistic approach that places the interests of the American economy first.
This was a precedent established by President George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Both believed that the United States needed to be economically independent, and not dependent upon foreign nations.
The policy of protectionism is a conservative policy. It was Progressives such as Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt who advocated that the nation embrace free trade.
Unfortunately, for decades the United States has pursued a policy that is misleadingly describes as “free trade.”
Trade agreements such as NAFTA, World Trade Organization, and granting Most Favored Nation status for China were just some of the disasters, which have had devastating consequences.
As a result, it is easier for corporations to outsource jobs to foreign nations, such as China and Mexico. Most recently, John Deere has signaled that they plan to open a new plant in Mexico, which will lead to the outsourcing of Iowa jobs.
The nation has lost 5 million manufacturing jobs and 90,000 factories since 1994.
Since 2001, the United States has lost an estimated 4 million jobs to China. Iowa has lost close to 34,000 jobs to China.
Many family farms and ranches in Iowa have also not shared in the benefits of free trade.
The nation is also amassing massive trade deficits. This has devastated many communities and the middle class.
In 2024, the trade deficit was $1.2 trillion, and this included a $39 billion deficit in agricultural.
“In the last 20 years, we have transferred some $20 trillion of our wealth to the governments and citizens of the exploiting countries,” argues Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, who served as US Trade Ambassador in the first Trump administration.
President Trump is correct when he states that for too long nations are taking advantage of the United States. Other nations use protectionist policies that work against American manufacturing and agriculture.
Free trade agreements have made the United States dangerously dependent on foreign nations, including hostile nations such as China. Whether it is pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, or other high technology products, many necessities are dependent upon foreign sources.
The United States was once the “Arsenal of Democracy” and now our manufacturing base has been hollowed out.
Ship building is one example. Last year the United States only produced three ships, while China is dominating in this industry.
Free trade is resulting in the subsidizing of the buildup of the Chinese military.
The policy of protectionism is about economic patriotism, protecting national sovereignty, and ensuring a vibrant middle class.
President Trump’s America First trade policy is working to fulfill these objectives.
John Hendrickson serves as policy director for Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation.
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