Trump Bets on Tariffs Despite Economic Backlash
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a bold move following his party’s loss in a key Wisconsin race and underperformance in Florida, President Donald Trump doubled down on his protectionist economic vision, imposing stiff new tariffs on imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners. The announcement, made on April 2, 2025, in the Rose Garden of the White House, marks an all-in bet that his approach will benefit American workers and revive domestic manufacturing.
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This tariff plan, a culmination of Trump’s four decades of advocacy for protectionist policies, signals his confidence that the U.S. can no longer afford the trade practices that have shifted the economy from manufacturing to services. Trump has long argued that free trade has led the United States into economic decline, and now he’s acting on that belief.
In many ways, this is Trump’s second-term moment to lead without constraints. During his first presidency, aides who disagreed with his worldview held him back, but now, freed from those constraints, he’s fully committed to his economic vision. However, the early consequences of this decision have sparked significant concern.
Markets React with Concern
Financial markets suffered their worst week since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Dow Jones dropping more than 3,800 points. Retaliatory measures from global trading partners, particularly China and European countries, have already begun to roll in. Economists are warning that the import taxes could stoke inflation and trigger a recession.
Despite the economic fallout, Trump remains defiant, insisting that the tariffs will eventually lead to a domestic manufacturing renaissance and help fund an extension of his 2017 tax cuts. Even as the stock market continues its sharp decline, Trump expressed optimism, claiming the economy would “boom.” On Friday, while the stock market plunged by another 2,200 points, Trump took time off to play golf, further frustrating critics who see his detachment as a failure of leadership.
Divisions Among Republicans
While Trump’s base remains largely supportive, even some Republican lawmakers are voicing concerns. Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) expressed reservations about the broad nature of the tariffs, particularly their impact on neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Hill, who represents Little Rock, suggested the administration should focus on renegotiating the North American trade agreement rather than imposing blanket tariffs. He remains skeptical that these measures will raise the anticipated revenue and has called for more diplomatic approaches.
Other Trump supporters, such as Doug Deason, a prominent Texas donor, continue to back the president’s plan despite the economic disruption. Deason, who remains hopeful about the long-term benefits, admitted that the short-term pain was difficult to watch but emphasized that “getting the ship turned around” requires sacrifices.
Democratic Response and Rising Energy
On the opposite side, Democrats are feeling a renewed sense of energy. Following a significant victory in Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court race, the party’s spirits have lifted, buoyed by the perception that Trump’s tariff actions may help fuel their resurgence. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who has been a vocal critic of Trump’s administration, now feels more determined than ever to continue the fight against the president’s economic policies. His recent 25-hour Senate speech reignited Democratic resolve to push back against what they see as dangerous economic overreach.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, echoed these sentiments, saying that the economic pain inflicted by Trump’s tariffs could lead to a shift in the political landscape, potentially undermining the Republican Party for years to come.
“Raising prices across the board for your constituents is not popular,” Levin noted. “It’s the kind of thing that can lead to a 1932-style generational wipeout of a party.”
As the economic consequences of Trump’s tariff decision unfold, the nation braces for a defining moment in his presidency—one that could reshape the political future in unpredictable ways.
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Trump Bets on Tariffs Despite Economic Backlash