#TrumpTariffs Donald Trump's tariffs were a major component of his "America First" economic policy during his presidency (2017–2021). He imposed a series of tariffs—taxes on imported goods—primarily targeting countries like China, the European Union, Canada, and Mexico. The most significant were the tariffs on Chinese imports, which escalated into a trade war between the two countries. Trump argued that these tariffs were necessary to protect American industries, reduce the trade deficit, and punish countries he believed were engaging in unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and currency manipulation.

Tariffs were also placed on steel and aluminum imports, justified on national security grounds. While some American manufacturers benefited from reduced foreign competition, others—especially those reliant on imported materials—faced higher costs. Critics argued that the tariffs ultimately hurt American consumers and strained international trade relationships. Despite these concerns, Trump maintained that the tariffs were a strategic move to renegotiate trade deals and bring jobs back to the U.S.