Tariffs have been a centerpiece of U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy, who has boasted of having used tariff threats to end multiple wars across the world. U.S. tariff collections have surged under Trump’s watch, helping to narrow the burgeoning budget deficit, although the numbers still appear ugly and are frankly unsustainable over the long term.
Ever since the president announced wide-ranging tariffs on “Liberation Day” last April, he has blown hot and cold over them. While the tariffs have been a hanging sword over the last year as Trump—who self-proclaimed himself as the “Tariff Man” during his first tenure—has frequently threatened to impose them on countries not agreeing to his demands, the heat has risen over the last few days.
