How do Trump tariffs impact the economy and inflation in the long run?

[Ian Eccles]

I voted for Trump because I believe in his vision to put America first, but I’m starting to worry about these tariffs he’s been pushing since he got back in office. The stock market’s freaking out, and economists are saying inflation’s going to spike and we might even hit a recession. Some even think we're already in a recession. I understand that tariffs are supposed to protect American jobs, but how bad is this going to hit our wallets? Trump's tariffs have already shrinked my 401(k) and I'm worried about my quality of life. Anyone got some solid takes on this?

 

[Ben Daugherty]

These tariffs are a mess. I think that targeted tariffs can work, like Biden’s Chinese steel tariffs to protect US manufacturers. But Trump’s hitting 90 countries, and I think that’s just going to jack up prices on everything... groceries, clothes, you name it. Inflation’s already a problem, and this could make it way worse.

 

[Chico99]

The data backs up what @Ben Daugherty said. Broad tariffs = higher consumer prices. Companies pass the tax on to us, and with Trump’s plan hitting so many countries, it’s not just steel or cars, it’s everything. Look at the market tumble last week after his announcement. Inflation’s already at 4% this year, Goldman Sachs says this could push it to 6-7% by 2026. And a recession? Maybe 60% odds now, up from 25% pre-tariffs. Trump’s betting on “some pain” being worth it, but it’s us little guys who’ll feel it most.

 

[Melinda Reese]

I think that Trump’s playing 4D chess. Tariffs force other countries to negotiate. China’s already blinking on TikTok, and Canada’s sweating over oil exports. Yes, prices might go up short-term, but long-term we get stronger industries and less reliance on foreigners.

 

[Ian Eccles]

I think that Trump’s playing 4D chess. Tariffs force other countries to negotiate. China’s already blinking on TikTok, and Canada’s sweating over oil exports. Yes, prices might go up short-term, but long-term we get stronger industries and less reliance on foreigners.

I really hope you're right. My grocery bill’s already up 20% since 2022, and now Trump’s “flat tax” on imports is gonna hit us low-income Americans hardest. I supported him to shake things up, but this feels like shaking my bank account dry. How’s this “Make America Great” when I can’t afford basics?