By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump has recently been touting an inflated figure of $18 trillion, claiming it represents the revenue generated by tariffs, a figure that has been repeated across various public appearances. This number is not only factually incorrect but also logically impossible, as the federal government has collected significantly less in tariff revenue. The president seems to be conflating tariff revenue with private investment deals, further blurring the line between the government and the private sector, but even the White House’s own tracking shows a figure far less than the claimed $18 trillion. Ultimately, the origin of this figure remains unclear.
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Trump says tariffs have brought in $18 trillion. That’s impossible. Let’s just start with the obvious: the claim that tariffs have generated $18 trillion in revenue is simply not grounded in reality. The number is astronomically huge. To put it in perspective, the entire global economy is estimated to be around $105 trillion. If Trump’s statement were true, the U.S. government would have collected over 17% of *all* the money in the world. It defies basic economic principles and common sense. It’s fiction, pure and simple.
Furthermore, even if we were to humor the idea, the money isn’t just “taken in” from other countries. The reality is that tariffs are primarily paid by U.S. importers and, ultimately, by American consumers. Higher prices on imported goods, and any goods with imported components, mean higher costs for everyone. Think of it as a hidden tax, effectively paid by Americans. It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it, when the same people who often decry taxes are seemingly bragging about raising them?
The implications of such a claim are staggering. If such a colossal sum had actually been collected, there would be significant questions to answer. Where is the money? What has it been spent on? We’d be looking at a huge surplus. The obvious response to this would be to pay down the national debt, which is hovering around $38 trillion. The savings on servicing the debt would be immense. Yet, there’s no evidence of this happening, and it’s clearly not the case. It’s hard to reconcile the claim with the actual financial situation.
The absurdity of the $18 trillion figure also becomes clear when we consider the scope of the U.S. economy itself. The U.S. GDP is around $29 trillion. To suggest that tariffs have generated an amount equal to roughly two-thirds of the entire U.S. economy is just ludicrous. The European Union’s entire GDP is less than that amount. One has to wonder how anyone, even those inclined to support Trump, could believe such a claim.
The question of where the money *should* be going becomes important. If the money actually existed, what about addressing critical areas like healthcare or infrastructure? The lack of any concrete plans or actions related to this alleged windfall is glaring. It exposes the claim for what it is: a blatant exaggeration, a lie. It’s a calculated tactic to distract from real issues and manipulate his supporters.
The impact of tariffs, even if we accept the *idea* of revenue generation, is far from straightforward. The economic reality is that tariffs often end up hurting the very people they’re supposedly designed to help. They can lead to higher prices, reduced consumer spending, and potential job losses in certain sectors. The narrative that tariffs bring in trillions to make everyone rich is just an illusion.
The underlying motivations for such outlandish claims are also important to consider. The relentless repetition of untruths and disregard for factual accuracy aren’t just mistakes; they’re strategies. They aim to create a reality of their own, where facts become irrelevant and the only thing that matters is the belief in what’s being said. It’s a dangerous game that undermines trust and erodes the foundations of a well-informed society. The constant distortions and fabrications are often designed to distract, deflect scrutiny, and maintain the support of those who uncritically accept them.
The response to this kind of rhetoric needs to be clear, consistent, and unwavering. The blatant disregard for facts can’t be normalized. It’s important to challenge these claims, provide accurate information, and hold those making them accountable. A free and functional society depends on it.