President Trump’s tariff policies are facing sharp criticism from conservative economist Thomas Sowell, and a recent viral clip has everyone talking. Sowell, known for his free-market principles, didn’t hold back when discussing the dangers of trade wars. His warnings highlight the risks of government intervention in global markets.
The video shows Sowell comparing Trump’s tariffs to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930s. He argues those tariffs worsened the Great Depression by spiking unemployment. Sowell warns that raising prices on imports hurts American consumers and businesses. History, he says, shows tariffs often backfire with unseen consequences.
Sowell’s classic book Basic Economics explains how tariffs disrupt supply chains. Protecting one industry can wreck others. For example, steel tariffs saved steel jobs but cost more jobs in industries using steel. This “unanticipated negative consequences” theme is a key part of his critique.
Trump’s supporters praise his efforts to boost American manufacturing. But Sowell’s analysis suggests tariffs might undermine those goals. Higher costs for materials could make U.S. products less competitive globally. This could cancel out the benefits of Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation.
The clip also touches on trade deficits. Sowell dismisses the idea that deficits mean “losing” to other countries. He argues money from services and goods flows both ways. Focusing only on physical goods ignores the bigger economic picture. Trade wars, he says, blur this reality.
Conservative commentators worry Trump is ignoring sage advice. While they back his America-first agenda, tariffs clash with free-market values. Sowell’s warnings remind voters that even well-meaning policies can go sideways. The balance between protectionism and liberty remains tricky.
Some argue tariffs are necessary to counter China’s unfair practices. Sowell acknowledges bad actors but stresses retaliation often hurts Americans more. Instead of tariffs, he’d likely push for negotiations and market-driven solutions. The debate splits conservatives between populism and principles.
As the 2025 trade policies unfold, Sowell’s wisdom serves as a cautionary tale. His blend of historical insight and economic logic challenges politicians to think long-term. For conservatives, the clash over tariffs reveals deeper tensions about government’s role in the economy.
