It is no secret that President Trump supports products being made in America. He is a strong advocate for bringing back the middle class by returning manufacturing jobs to the states. A “Made in America” comeback would revive the manufacturing industry we’ve slowly been losing to other countries and boost the economy and workforce.
Last week, Trump announced that he would introduce a 25 percent tax on imported steel and a 10 percent tax on imported aluminum. As one can imagine, this ruffled feathers in the halls of Congress. Some members of Congress believe the president is unquestionably starting a trade war. Others believe the time to return manufacturing jobs in the Rust Belt and across industrial America is long overdue.
I believe Trump is starting a conversation to ensure America remains a key player in competitive manufacturing and trade. However, we have to make sure that these tariffs do not have unintended consequences, such as making exceptions for products that cannot be made in the United States.
Trump isn’t starting a trade war, and if you think he is, you’re blind to the fact that we are already in the middle of one. Last year, the United States grew its trade deficit to $566 billion. The president is bringing everyone to the negotiating table. After the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last December, we now have one of the most competitive tax codes in the world. It’s important that we use it to our advantage when it comes to trading goods with other countries. While other countries will continue to look out for their own best interests, I’m grateful Trump is looking out for ours.
Read more at the Washington Examiner.
