Staff Reports
The economic narrative surrounding Donald Trump’s policies has been skewed by those who conveniently ignore the real issues at hand. Economist EJ Antoni makes it clear that Trump isn’t instigating a trade war; rather, he’s been desperately trying to turn the tide in a conflict that has been ongoing for decades—a conflict the United States has been losing.
In a recent op-ed for Fox News, Antoni draws parallels between Trump and Ulysses S. Grant, highlighting their relentless determination in the face of fierce opposition. While other countries have placed hefty tariffs on American goods with no intention of reciprocal treatment, Trump is merely suggesting that if they expect us to pay, they should pay too. It’s not a new war; it’s Trump’s attempt to ensure America can finally emerge victorious in a battle that has long been slanted against it.
Economist: Trump Isn’t Starting a Trade War; He’s Fighting to Win the Decades-Long War https://t.co/MXTaC54MOs
— Michael J. Fell (@MichaelJFell) April 4, 2025
Antoni points out that there’s a misconception surrounding Trump’s approach to trade. He is regularly portrayed as an enemy of free trade, when in fact, he is fighting against a long-entrenched system of pseudo-free trade that has systematically disadvantaged American exporters. The trade wars declared by foreign nations have gone unchecked for far too long, leaving American consumers and workers to bear the burden. Trump’s effort to implement reciprocal tariffs is a strategic move intended to hold other nations accountable and reduce their trade barriers.
The impending new tariff rates promise to be eye-opening. For far too long, the extent to which countries have shut out American products has been obscured. Even nations that are meant to be allies, like Canada, impose tariffs so steep they can feel like a massive tax that rivals the heftiest government fees. In a shocking twist, U.S. exporters sometimes enjoy better access to Russian markets than those from our neighbor to the north. That’s quite the wake-up call for anyone still holding onto the illusion of a fair trading system.
Historical frustration emerges in the remembrances of American dairy farmers battling roadblocks to access to Canadian consumers, all due to ludicrous tariffs on dairy. This isn’t a new issue, and it raises an important question—why should American businesses bend over backward to appease foreign interests while stifling their own ability to compete?
Adding to the drama is the curious alliance of several Republican senators, spearheaded by Chuck Grassley, who have decided to team up with Democrats to delay tariffs that would protect American interests. One has to wonder whose side they are truly on when their decisions seem to undermine the very constituents who put them in office.
In drawing parallels between Trump and Grant, Antoni evokes the spirit of resolute leadership. Grant faced devastating setbacks in the Civil War but remained unyielding amidst adversity. He didn’t back down, and, just like him, Trump isn’t inclined to step aside while other nations take advantage of the American economy.
There’s an interesting historical footnote that underscores the toughness of Grant’s economic decisions, such as re-establishing the gold standard despite the opposition he faced. Like Trump, his policies were informed by a desire to strengthen the American economy, regardless of the uproar from critics on all sides. By embracing policies that would ultimately empower American workers, Antoni suggests that Trump’s approach may very well signal the commencement of a new golden age in the United States. It’s time the mainstream media caught up to these realities, rather than peddling their accustomed tales of doom and gloom regarding trade.
