The Daily Signal
Victor Davis Hanson: Donald Trump’s Trade Parity ‘Golden Age’ Explained
Apr 4, 2025
Victor Davis Hanson, a historian and military expert, delves into the complexities of trade parity and tariffs in a revealing discussion. He critiques the longstanding asymmetrical tariffs imposed on the U.S. and explains how countries have capitalized on America's previous no-tariff approach. Hanson argues that the concept of tariffs harming economies is misleading, as evidenced by China’s booming success despite high tariffs. He sheds light on the historical context of America's economic strategies post-World War II and advocates for a more aggressive trade stance.
08:44
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Quick takeaways
- Victor Davis Hanson emphasizes that tariffs are reciprocal responses to other nations' trade policies, challenging the belief that they solely harm economies.
- The podcast raises concerns about the paradox of public perception regarding tariffs, questioning why the U.S. faces blame for its reactions rather than the initiating countries.
Deep dives
Understanding Tariffs and Economic Impacts
The discussion highlights the nature of tariffs and their actual role in international trade. Many believe that tariffs are primarily destructive; however, the podcast argues that they are often reciprocal actions based on the tariffs imposed by other countries. This raises questions about the economic health of nations like China and India, which maintain high tariffs yet continue to experience significant economic growth. The speaker notes that despite the common belief that tariffs hurt economies, these countries seem to thrive while America reacts to tariffs in an almost automatic fashion.
