Tag Archives | protectionism

Trump USTR on Tariff War April 2025

Trump’s “Fair Trade” Offal

Trump’s “Fair Trade” Offal by James Bovard, April 10, 2025 “For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike,” President Trump declared last week when he proclaimed a national emergency and imposed the highest tariffs since the Smoot-Hawley Act of 1930. US stock […]

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Protectionism Is More Idiotic Than It Looks

Protectionism Is More Idiotic Than It Looks by James Bovard Donald Trump’s re-election assures that protectionism will become even more fashionable inside the Beltway. Trump recently declared that tariff is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary,” and the exaltation of trade barriers has become the latest political mania. Washington hustlers are loudly promising to […]

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The Greatest Tariff Speech in Congressional History

The Greatest Tariff Speech in Congressional History by James Bovard, November 19, 2024 Donald Trump is bringing his idolatry of high tariffs back to the White House. Trump proclaims that “tariffs are the greatest!” and that “tariff” is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Vast numbers of his Republican supporters will echo any dubious […]

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Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom

Libertarian Institute, July 17, 2024 Tariffs Are Bipartisan Enemies of Freedom by James Bovard President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both portray tariffs as magic wands to create national prosperity. Trump is calling for a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports, while Biden is imposing selective tariffs that he portrays as miracle cures for […]

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Biden Perpetuates Washington’s Idiotic Steel Trade Policies

Biden Perpetuates Washington’s Idiotic Steel Trade Policies 04/19/2024 • Mises Wire • James Bovard Joe Biden is seeking to boost his reelection campaign by torpedoing Chinese imports. In an April 17 speech in Pittsburgh, the symbolic heart of the steel industry, Biden announced that he asked his US trade representative to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports. […]

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Macaulay and My 75-Cent Epiphanies, Part 1

Macaulay and My 75-Cent Epiphanies, Part 1 by James Bovard Fearing that my writing style was becoming anemic, I recently sought a literary booster shot from my bookshelves. Happily, a dozen volumes of Thomas Macaulay awaited me. Macaulay made history mesmerizing, and I have been captivated by his speed, grace, and wit for 40 years. […]

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