[Spartan-S63]

The real double-edged sword is that tariffs can be both recessionary and inflationary. Consumers cutting spending habits will slow the economy and trigger layoffs, which in turn will continue slowing the economy. On the flip side, we still import most of our goods because we don't have an industrial base sizable enough–and likely won't for several decades—so those tariffs will drive prices up. It's a positive feedback loop that results in a halting economy.

If the Trump admin was serious about rebuilding the industrial base, they'd be providing subsidies and federal grants, not tariffs. They'd also be sucking money out of the economy by increasing the number and top marginal rates on the income tax and patching loopholes in the corporate tax code. At the same time, they'd be cutting taxes for the bottom 80% of America and providing healthcare and childcare subsidies.