Economists Challenge Trump's Tariff Claims Amid Growing Trade Concerns

President Donald Trump continues to defend his aggressive tariff policies against China, asserting that Beijing will bear most of the costs, though economists and analysts widely dispute this claim. Experts warn that American consumers are likely to face higher prices and potential shortages, with skepticism prevailing among the public; a recent Gallup poll found that a large majority of Americans believe tariffs will increase consumer costs. Economic analysts caution that protectionist measures could undermine long-term U.S. competitiveness and may even risk triggering a recession, as highlighted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and historical parallels to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. Critics, including Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton, emphasize that Trump’s approach does not reflect the views of all Americans or the broader U.S. government, and point out that China is capitalizing on U.S. policy shifts to expand its own influence. Globally, the trade war is seen as destabilizing to supply chains and offering strategic openings to countries in the Global South. Despite White House claims of manufacturing job gains, public doubt remains high about the overall benefits of the trade war for the U.S. economy.