President Donald Trump has expressed unwavering confidence in the power of tariffs, proclaiming them as a catalyst for national prosperity. Dismissing concerns from businesses regarding the uncertainty stemming from his planned tariffs on various American trading partners, Trump remains resolute in his decision, even in the face of potential price hikes and the looming specter of a recession. Following the imposition and subsequent pause of 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, which initially rattled markets, Trump announced intentions to implement broader “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2. Despite acknowledging the possibility of an economic slowdown forecasted by the Atlanta Fed, Trump maintains that the tariffs will ultimately benefit the U.S. economy. His approach to tariffs has been marked by inconsistency, with a pattern of imposing and retracting tariffs, yet he remains steadfast in advocating for protectionist policies. Some have even proposed that heightened import tariffs could eventually replace federal income taxes. Trump’s idealization of the Gilded Age and its tariffs, inspired by his admiration for President William McKinley, is viewed skeptically by experts who highlight the era’s historical context of corruption and inequality. They argue that the economic growth during that period was driven by various factors beyond tariff policies and emphasize the disconnect between Gilded Age practices and the complexities of modern global trade.