Probable Effects of the Trump Tariffs

What effect will President Donald J. Trump Senior’s (R-Florida) incredible tariffs have upon the economy? That is the trillion dollar question everybody is asking.

Predicting the tariffs’ effect is difficult because Trump’s actions reverse 90 years of economic policy. The United States has not had tariffs this high since the 1930s.

Additionally, we do not know if the tariffs are real or just political theater staged to distract voters and the media from other Trump policies like the DOGE madness and plans for a war on Iran. Indeed, Trump has exempted some popular Chinese-made items, including smartphones and computers from the tariffs, including smart phones from his 125% retaliatory levy. However, Trump advisor Steven Miller claims those products are still subject to Trump’s base 20% tariff on Chinese goods in an X post.

Consequently, cynics will speculate that Trump never had an intention of imposing any tariff that could cause pain for voters and campaign donors. Remember, many ordinary Americans need phones for their jobs. Plus, many businesses cannot operate without computers and other Chinese electronics.

However, Miller’s vague statement shows the tariffs could be real. Thus, we need to examine their potential effects. I think there are three probable Trump tariff scenarios: