As an Iranian-American and a former socialist who once believed in the utopian promise of global free trade, I now see clearly that the policies of President Donald J. Trump to impose tariffs on foreign goods are essential to the economic and cultural strength of the United States. Tariffs are not merely a financial tool; they are a patriotic act of preserving American sovereignty, revitalizing our industrial base, and restoring dignity to American workers. Let me explain why tariffs are a necessary and effective strategy to "Make America Great Again."
1. Revitalizing American Industry and Manufacturing
For decades, American industries have been gutted by the outsourcing of jobs to countries like China, Mexico, and India, where labor is cheaper due to the lack of fair labor standards. This race to the bottom has devastated communities across America, particularly in the industrial heartland. Trump's tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other imports incentivize companies to bring production back to the United States.
For example, since the implementation of tariffs in 2018, industries such as steel and aluminum have seen growth, creating jobs for hardworking Americans in cities like Pittsburgh and Detroit. The tariffs are a tool to stop foreign competitors from dumping artificially cheap goods into the U.S. market, which undermines American companies operating on fair labor standards.
Citations:
- U.S. Department of Commerce, Steel and Aluminum Tariff Effects on Industry (2019): www.commerce.gov/reports/steel-tariff-analysis
- American Economic Association, "Trade Policy and Manufacturing in the Rust Belt" (2020): www.aeaweb.org/articles/trade-policy-analysis
2. Reducing Dependence on Hostile Nations
As someone who has lived under the oppression of the Iranian regime and seen firsthand the dangers of relying on hostile nations, I applaud Trump's vision to reduce America's dependence on foreign imports. China, in particular, has exploited its trade relationships to undermine the United States economically and strategically.
By imposing tariffs, Trump is addressing the decades-long trade deficit with China. These policies encourage domestic alternatives and strengthen our national security by ensuring critical industries—such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors—are produced domestically. Depending on adversarial nations for vital goods is not only shortsighted but dangerous.
Citations:
- U.S. Trade Representative, China Trade Deficit Report (2020): www.ustr.gov/reports/china-trade-analysis
- Peterson Institute for International Economics, "The Geopolitical Risks of Trade with China" (2019): www.piie.com/reports/us-china-economic-risks
3. Protecting American Workers from Unfair Competition
Having once been a member of the Democratic Party, I was misled into believing that "free trade" was synonymous with progress. The reality is that so-called free trade agreements often favor multinational corporations over American workers. By putting tariffs on imports, President Trump ensures that American workers are not forced to compete with foreign labor that operates under inhumane conditions and without environmental protections.
For instance, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), championed by Trump, modernized NAFTA to include stronger labor protections and incentives for manufacturing within the U.S. This is the kind of fair trade Americans deserve.
Citations:
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, USMCA: The New Standard for American Trade (2020): www.ustr.gov/usmca-report
- Heritage Foundation, "The Impact of Tariffs on American Jobs" (2021): www.heritage.org/trade-analysis
4. Preserving American Culture and Values
President Trump’s tariffs are also a cultural stand against the erosion of American identity. Imported goods often symbolize a flood of foreign influence that dilutes our national character. By prioritizing "Made in America," tariffs are a statement of economic and cultural independence.
As a Christian conservative and a proud member of the LDS Church, I see Trump’s tariff policies as aligned with the principle of self-reliance. Our scriptures and teachings emphasize building local communities, supporting families, and fostering independence. Tariffs are an economic extension of these values, ensuring that we remain a strong and self-sufficient nation.
Citations:
- LDS.org, Principles of Self-Reliance in the Economy (2023): www.lds.org/self-reliance-economy
- American Conservative Union, "Cultural Sovereignty in Trade Policy" (2019): www.conservative.org/reports/trade-and-culture
5. Standing Against Globalism
Having once supported globalist policies as a socialist, I now see the truth: globalism undermines the sovereignty of nations and places power in the hands of unelected international bureaucrats. President Trump’s tariffs are a bold rejection of this system. They represent a return to economic policies that put American citizens first.
Tariffs protect not only American jobs but also the Constitution itself, safeguarding the nation from foreign interference. They allow us to rebuild industries that align with our moral and spiritual values rather than outsourcing them to regimes that oppose freedom and democracy.
Citations:
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Globalism vs. National Trade Policies (2018): www.nber.org/globalism-analysis
- Trump Campaign, "America First: Trade Policy Vision" (2017): www.donaldjtrump.com/issues/trade
President Donald J. Trump is more than a political leader; he is a visionary who understands that economic policies must serve the people of this great nation. His use of tariffs to restore American industry, protect workers, and ensure independence from hostile nations is a testament to his commitment to putting America first. As an Iranian-American who has experienced the dangers of foreign dependence and the lies of socialism, I stand with President Trump in his efforts to safeguard our economic future.
Citations:
- U.S. Department of Commerce, Steel and Aluminum Tariff Effects on Industry (2019): www.commerce.gov/reports/steel-tariff-analysis
- U.S. Trade Representative, China Trade Deficit Report (2020): www.ustr.gov/reports/china-trade-analysis
- Peterson Institute for International Economics, "The Geopolitical Risks of Trade with China" (2019): www.piie.com/reports/us-china-economic-risks
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, USMCA: The New Standard for American Trade (2020): www.ustr.gov/usmca-report
- LDS.org, Principles of Self-Reliance in the Economy (2023): www.lds.org/self-reliance-economy
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