Column: Trump and Vance are dead wrong — economists unanimously agree that U.S. tariffs are a tax on American consumers

I can’t wrap my head around how anyone could see tariffs as anything but a tax on American consumers. It’s common sense. When prices go up due to tariffs, it’s the American people who end up paying the difference. Companies like Walmart or Publix will simply raise their prices to maintain their profit margins, and who has to foot the bill? The middle and lower class citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The fact that Trump and Vance are pushing this narrative that tariffs are somehow good for the economy is laughable. It’s not a legitimate policy idea up for debate among economists. It’s pure nonsense, a misguided notion that is divorced from economic reality. They’re not economic policies; they’re just another form of bullshittery from the highest order.

Economists unanimously agree that tariffs ultimately hurt the American consumer. It’s not up for debate. Yet, why is it that their supporters continue to believe otherwise? It’s reminiscent of the denial seen with COVID and global warming – facts are facts, yet some refuse to see the truth.

Trump’s lack of understanding of basic economics is apparent in his misguided belief that tariffs are somehow beneficial. His history of bankrupting casinos should be evidence enough of his lack of economic prowess. Unfortunately, his base seems content to trust his every word without questioning the consequences of his actions.

The issue with tariffs goes beyond the immediate impact on consumer prices. The retaliatory tariffs placed by other countries only exacerbate the problem, leading to a cycle of economic strife. It’s a lazy approach to economic policy that only serves to benefit a select few while leaving the majority to bear the burden.

It’s time for a serious examination of how tariffs truly impact the American economy. Companies need to speak up about the repercussions of tariffs and make it clear that these costs will be passed down to consumers. The media also plays a crucial role in educating the public about the realities of tariffs and why they are not a sustainable economic strategy.

In the end, tariffs are nothing more than a tax on the American people. They do not benefit the economy; they only serve to line the pockets of corporations and the wealthy elite. It’s time to see through the lies and deception of politicians like Trump and Vance, and demand economic policies that truly benefit all Americans. Vote Blue in November and let’s work towards a future where economic policies prioritize the well-being of the people, not the profits of the few. The truth about tariffs is crystal clear – they are nothing but a tax on American consumers. It baffles me that some still try to paint them as a beneficial economic policy when in reality, they only lead to increased prices that hit the middle and lower class the hardest. Trump and Vance’s promotion of tariffs as an economic solution is not grounded in reality but rather serves as a facade for their misguided beliefs.

The unanimous agreement among economists that tariffs hurt American consumers should be a wake-up call. It’s not a matter up for debate but a well-established fact. The lack of understanding displayed by Trump in his approach to tariffs is alarming, especially considering his track record of economic failures.

The issue of tariffs goes beyond just raising prices for consumers. The retaliatory nature of tariffs from other countries creates a vicious cycle of economic strain that ultimately harms everyone involved. It’s a lazy economic strategy that benefits the few at the expense of the many, a reality that needs to be exposed and addressed.

In order to combat the detrimental effects of tariffs, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate the public on the true impact of these policies. Companies must speak out about the repercussions of tariffs and make it known that these costs will inevitably be passed down to consumers. The media has a responsibility to shed light on the realities of tariffs, dispelling the myths perpetuated by politicians like Trump and Vance.

Ultimately, tariffs are a tool that benefit the wealthy elite while burdening the American people. It’s time to see through the deception and demand economic policies that prioritize the well-being of all citizens. By voting Blue in November and advocating for equitable economic strategies, we can work towards a future where the interests of the people come before corporate profits. Let’s strive for a fair and prosperous economy that benefits everyone, not just a select few.