Tariffs, Trade, and the Cost of Misguided Strategy: A KAMA Perspective on the Trump Administration’s Economic Nationalism

At Keep America Moving Ahead, LLC™ (KAMA), we believe in Real People. Real Progress. Real Time. That means pushing forward policies rooted in unity, accountability, and prosperity for everyday Americans—not short-term political optics. As the nation finds itself once again navigating the fallout from a protectionist trade agenda, we must speak clearly and honestly about its true costs.

In early April 2025, second term President Donald Trump revived and expanded his controversial tariff strategy. A 10% global baseline tariff and even steeper rates targeting countries with trade surpluses were introduced as a path toward reducing America’s trade deficit—framed as a patriotic defense of domestic manufacturing and American jobs.

Let’s be clear: reducing trade deficits can be a noble goal—if the strategy leads to tangible, positive outcomes for American families, workers, and businesses. But when the tactic used to achieve that goal results in higher prices, job losses, and economic instability for those same Americans, the policy’s true value—and intent—must be questioned.

 

The Reality at Home: Economic Pain for Working Americans

 

While the rhetoric promises strength, the lived reality for most Americans is very different.

• Inflation Pressures: Tariffs function as hidden taxes. When imported goods become more expensive, the costs are passed down to consumers. Everything from clothing to cars to groceries becomes more expensive. Recent projections show inflation rising again past 4%, threatening the economic gains many families made post-pandemic.
• Job Market Shockwaves: Despite claims that tariffs protect American jobs, the opposite often happens. Industries that rely on imported materials—such as automotive manufacturing and agriculture—face shrinking margins. Stellantis and other major employers have already begun layoffs. How does this help the average worker?
• Stock Market Volatility and Retirement Risks: Markets crave stability. These sudden, sweeping tariffs have spooked investors and undercut confidence. The economic turbulence impacts not just Wall Street, but retirees and savers watching their 401(k)s lose value.

 

 

Global Fallout: America Isolated

 

Meanwhile, our international relationships—built over generations—are fraying. Allies are retaliating. Global competitors are filling the void left by a retreating America. And we are becoming a less reliable partner in global trade negotiations. Isolationism is not strength—it’s surrendering our seat at the table.

 

The Deeper Question: Who Truly Benefits?

 

If the motive is to benefit American citizens, then how does a strategy that shrinks their wealth, raises their costs, and cuts their jobs achieve that goal?

Economic strength isn’t about punishing others. It’s about empowering your own people. And here lies the disconnect: a strategy designed to reduce the trade deficit should not create a deficit of opportunity, trust, and progress at home.

At KAMA, we measure success not by campaign slogans but by how policies impact Real People in Real Time. We ask:

• Are families better off today than yesterday?
• Are communities more resilient?
• Are we moving forward together?

In this case, the answer is no.

 

KAMA’s Call: We Can Do Better—Together

 

It is time to reject false choices between economic nationalism and global cooperation. We need smart, balanced trade policies that promote fairness without sacrificing affordability. We need strategies that lift working families instead of burdening them.

At KAMA, we know that America is strongest when we move forward together—grounded in truth, compassion, and shared purpose. Let’s keep our eyes on what really matters: building a country where progress isn’t just a promise, but a practice.

 

What Can You Do?

Now more than ever, policies that impact millions of American families require our collective voice, vigilance, and vision.

Join us at Keep America Moving Ahead, LLC™ to push for smarter trade solutions that truly uplift the people they’re meant to serve.

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• Stay informed. Demand answers. Ask policymakers: If the goal is to help us, why are we paying the price?

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Together, we can turn economic pain into purpose—and keep America moving forward.

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Keep America Moving Ahead—Real People. Real Progress. Real Time.