Staff Reports
For much of America’s early history, tariffs were the backbone of federal revenue and a pillar of economic strength. From 1870 to 1913, tariffs accounted for the lion’s share of government funding, fueling a period of explosive industrial growth and national prosperity. During these decades, the United States not only paid its bills but also built up its infrastructure and industrial might, all without the burden of an income tax. It’s a testament to the wisdom of our Founders and the economic model that made America the envy of the world.
The narrative that tariffs caused the Great Depression is a distortion of history. The economic collapse began in 1929, well before the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. While it’s true that the Act worsened the global trade environment, blaming tariffs alone ignores the reckless monetary policies and tax hikes that truly deepened the crisis. Liberals have long used this myth to justify their addiction to free trade and globalism, but the facts are clear: tariffs were not the villain, and the Depression’s roots ran much deeper than trade policy alone.
Today, there’s renewed interest in harnessing tariffs to replace the convoluted and punitive federal income tax system. President Trump has boldly floated the idea that tariff revenue could supplant income taxes, allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. While establishment economists scoff and claim the math doesn’t add up, it’s worth noting that even their projections show tariffs could generate trillions in new revenue. With the right policies—like tax deductions for American-made goods and incentives for domestic manufacturing—this vision could become reality. Imagine a tax code that rewards work, investment, and patriotism rather than penalizing success.
The resurgence of American manufacturing is no longer a pipe dream—it’s happening before our eyes. Major automakers are reopening shuttered plants, small businesses are driving a manufacturing renaissance, and companies are bringing jobs back to our shores. This isn’t just good news for factory workers; it’s a boon for the entire economy, from construction to logistics. The left may wring their hands about “trade wars,” but the truth is that a strong manufacturing base is the foundation of national security and prosperity.
Finally, the Panama Canal saga is a stark reminder of why America must put its interests first. The decision to hand over control of this strategic asset has proven disastrous, with Panama now charging exorbitant fees and foreign powers—especially China—lurking in the background. It’s time to revisit these deals and ensure that America’s economic and security interests are protected. As the winds of change blow through Washington, there’s real hope that a return to pro-American economic policies—rooted in tariffs, manufacturing, and common sense—will usher in a new era of prosperity and independence.
