Bring Back Tariffs: Fund America, Build America

Strong US Economy

For too long, the United States has let the world treat our market like a free-for-all, a giant shopping mall where foreign companies dump their goods without contributing a dime to the nation that keeps their profits flowing. It’s time to flip the script. Tariffs—taxes on imported goods—should once again become the backbone of our federal revenue, just as they were in America’s early days. And here’s the kicker: if companies want to sell to our 330 million consumers, they’re welcome to do it the old-fashioned way—by making their products right here on U.S. soil.

Let’s start with the numbers. In 2023, the U.S. imported over $3 trillion worth of goods—everything from smartphones to sneakers. Meanwhile, tariff revenue brought in a measly $80 billion, less than 2% of the federal budget. Compare that to the 19th century, when tariffs funded up to 90% of government operations. Today, we lean on income taxes and corporate loopholes while letting foreign manufacturers flood our shores unchecked. Why not shift the burden back where it belongs—onto the imports that compete with American workers?

Tariffs aren’t just about cash; they’re about control. Right now, we’re at the mercy of global supply chains—think microchips from Taiwan or cheap steel from China. When pandemics hit or wars flare up, we’re left scrambling. But if we slap meaningful tariffs on imports, we send a clear message: want access to the world’s richest consumer market? Build here. Hire here. Pay taxes here. Companies like Apple or Toyota can still sell to us—they’ll just have to open factories in Ohio or Alabama instead of outsourcing to distant shores. That’s not protectionism; that’s common sense.

Critics will cry, “But prices will rise!” Sure, a tariffed toaster might cost a few bucks more. But what’s the real cost of cheap imports? Shuttered factories, hollowed-out towns, and jobs shipped overseas. The Rust Belt didn’t rust because of tariffs—it rusted because we let free trade run wild. A 25% tariff on imported cars, for instance, could nudge automakers to bring production stateside, creating jobs for welders, engineers, and truckers. The revenue—potentially hundreds of billions—could fund infrastructure, schools, or tax cuts for working families. We’d be paying ourselves instead of padding Beijing’s coffers.

And let’s not forget fairness. American companies face regulations, labor laws, and environmental standards that foreign competitors often dodge. Tariffs level the playing field, rewarding businesses that play by our rules. If a foreign firm doesn’t like it, they’ve got an easy fix: set up shop in the U.S. and join the team. We’re not closing the door—we’re just asking for a ticket to the game.

History backs this up. Tariffs built America’s industrial might in the 1800s, shielding our young economy from European giants. They can do it again, funding our future while reviving our manufacturing backbone. The message to the world is simple: you want to sell to Americans? Great. Make it in America. Otherwise, pay up. It’s time to put our workers, our communities, and our country first again.