Staff Reports
The debate over tariffs versus income tax has surged back into the national spotlight, fueled by President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that tariffs could once again serve as the primary source of federal revenue. Trump, drawing on the nation’s history from 1870 to 1913, pointed out that tariffs once funded the bulk of government operations, coinciding with a period of robust economic growth and American prosperity. This era, often overlooked by modern policymakers, stands in stark contrast to the labyrinthine tax code and the heavy-handed IRS of today.
Trump’s proposal is more than a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a bold call to reimagine the American tax system. He argues that the revenue potential from tariffs is so significant that it could replace the federal income tax altogether, liberating working Americans from the annual April headache. During his recent Fox News interview, Trump dismissed the tired narrative that tariffs caused the Great Depression, correctly noting that the economic collapse began before the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was enacted. For decades, the left has twisted this historical fact to malign protectionist policies that actually built American industry.
While establishment economists and globalists wring their hands over the supposed dangers of tariffs, Trump’s America-first approach is resonating with everyday citizens who are tired of seeing their jobs shipped overseas and their paychecks siphoned by federal taxes. The idea of eliminating taxes on overtime, tips, and Social Security income for seniors is not just a fiscal revolution—it’s a return to common sense. Of course, getting such reforms through Congress will require wrangling the usual cast of obstructionists, but that’s nothing new for those who believe in putting Americans first.
Beyond tariffs, Trump has floated another pro-worker policy: allowing Americans to deduct interest payments on loans for U.S.-made vehicles. This measure would reward those who buy American, further strengthening domestic manufacturing and creating jobs. Already, automakers are responding by expanding their U.S. operations, a testament to the effectiveness of policies that prioritize American workers and industry over foreign competitors.
Finally, the issue of the Panama Canal remains a sore spot for those who remember the Carter administration’s ill-advised decision to hand over this strategic asset. Now, with Chinese interests lurking at both ends of the canal, Trump’s calls to “take back” control are more than just rhetoric—they’re a necessary correction to decades of weak leadership and globalist giveaways. As Panama withdraws from China’s Belt and Road Initiative under U.S. pressure, it’s clear that strong, decisive American leadership is needed to protect our interests and restore the nation’s standing on the world stage.
