It’s amusing how quickly the critics try to shift their narrative when reality doesn’t match their pessimistic predictions. Just a few years ago, many were lamenting the supposed catastrophic consequences of Trump’s tariffs. They painted a bleak picture, where everything from apples to Ziploc bags would cost a fortune and families would be financially crippled. Democrats and some in the media worked overtime, warning that these tariffs would lead to economic doom. Now, however, as the numbers come rolling in, it seems like all this worry was for nothing.
Trump’s tariffs, instead of being the economy-wrecking ball critics promised, have brought in substantial revenue. Over $124 billion has been collected, and expectations suggest it could rise to $300 billion. It’s the kind of revenue that makes even the government’s accountants reach for their calculators with glee. But the narrative shift doesn’t end with the revenue; it’s only the beginning. Stocks are on a record run, inflation is cooling, and more voters now feel positively about the economy. Critics are left eating their words, and perhaps they could use a side of crow to go with it.
The Dems, in a move both humorous and desperate, tried to blame President Trump for President Biden’s economic hiccups. However, as everyone not living under a rock has observed, grocery store prices have skyrocketed under the current administration. The Democratic National Committee even tried to pull a fast one by deleting a social media post that backfired spectacularly. In trying to throw Trump under the economic bus, they ended up acknowledging that prices were indeed friendlier on the wallet during his presidency.
When it comes to the economy, numbers and polls can be interpreted in so many creative ways, but feelings matter too. Folks care about what they pay at the grocery store and how their wallets feel day-to-day. According to recent polls, more people now view the economy positively. It’s as though common sense has made a triumphant comeback. The average American notices when things are more affordable and when the future looks a bit brighter, regardless of political narratives trying to convince them otherwise.
The strategy employed by the Trump administration was more about smart negotiation than anything else. There’s a remarkable level of satisfaction from seeing American manufacturers, previously hindered by oppressive foreign tariffs, finally able to crack new markets. If this isn’t a textbook example of careful planning paying off, then perhaps it’s time to rewrite the textbook. As the pieces of this economic puzzle come together, what once seemed daunting now appears brilliant—and one can only be amused at the surprise of those who didn’t see this coming.
