Are Tariffs Threatening American Freedom and Small Business Survival?

In 2020, when the COVID pandemic engulfed the United States, we witnessed a significant erosion of freedom and property rights. This period marked a challenging time for Main Street and the American Dream.

The narrative pushed primarily by the left insisted that small businesses be shuttered and personal liberties curtailed. The rallying cry was often “do something,” with little consideration for whether those actions would yield positive outcomes.

Across the nation, many states embraced a form of heavy-handed central planning that undermined the very principles that make America exceptional. This approach stemmed from flawed information and a concerning willingness to sacrifice personal freedoms.

As we emerged from that crisis, many who highlighted these issues faced resistance. Yet, as time passed, public sentiment shifted, and many acknowledged the missteps of the past. Citizens vowed to prevent such occurrences from repeating.

Revisiting Fiscal Challenges Amid Tariff Debates

Now, as discussions around tariffs reignite, we find many of the same troubling trends resurfacing. Alarmingly, voices from the right often echo sentiments reminiscent of the left, straying from the path of freedom.

Currently, the U.S. grapples with numerous fiscal challenges. The Biden administration left a complicated fiscal situation for its successor. Following extensive deficit spending intended to buoy growth, the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio soared above 120%. Today, our deficit-to-GDP ratio sits in the range of 6-7%, indicative of a nation at war.

Moreover, the cost of servicing our debt now surpasses defense spending, presenting a grave warning signal. Complicating matters further, inflation under the Biden administration remains a significant hurdle.

Limited Options for Economic Recovery

Given these complex economic realities, the Trump administration finds itself with limited options moving forward. Factors such as current interest rates and the pressing need for refinancing debt constrict available strategies.

Despite this complexity, turning to tariffs as a remedy for these issues appears unlikely to yield the desired results.

Principles at Risk Amid Calls for Action

In an atmosphere characterized by urgency, many supporters of Trump seem ready to abandon core principles, adopting rhetoric that aligns more with the left than with traditional conservative values.

The small businesses hardest hit by COVID mandates, inflation, and prolonged recovery face renewed risks. Those with international supply chains will struggle to survive if tariffs continue without exemptions.

Across social media platforms, I have repeatedly encountered the assertion that certain businesses do not merit survival, echoing sentiments reminiscent of the previous narrative that justified small business closures in the name of the greater good.

The Reality of Small Businesses in Global Supply Chains

Those who overlook the role of small enterprises with foreign ties in the ongoing debate do not recognize that they are still champions of an America-first agenda. These businesses leverage comparative advantages within the global supply chain.

Additionally, these enterprises often employ personnel in vital roles such as design, marketing, sales, and administration right here in the U.S., thereby creating American jobs.

When these companies sell products globally, they not only serve American markets but also cater to consumers in other countries. Transactions with foreign customers ultimately support American jobs and channel capital back into the U.S. economy, where profits are frequently reinvested.

Questioning the Path to Economic Freedom

Advocating for the absence of these businesses, even in the name of a perceived greater good, mirrors communist ideology.

Furthermore, if millions of small businesses close their doors, the fallout will extend beyond job loss and reduced capital. Large corporations or foreign firms may seize these opportunities, further undermining the foundation of America-first economics.

Addressing economic dilemmas requires a return to the principles of freedom and capitalism. Continuing down a path that involves increased central planning erodes our foundational principles and could exacerbate our current challenges.

Looking Ahead with Hope for Main Street

As we confront significant economic obstacles, the hope remains that the next administration will prioritize the success of small businesses. However, achieving this goal must involve providing incentives rather than imposing anti-freedom barriers.