Trump touted several of his economic proposals in an opinion piece published in Newsweek this morning, outlining how he intends to “Make America Affordable Again,” a tagline he often uses at the end of his rally speeches.
The former president suggested that if elected, he will incentivize companies that have left the U.S. to return.
“German car companies can become American car companies,” Trump wrote. “We can beat China in electronic production. Manufacturers that have left us will come sprinting back to our shores.”
Trump repeated his previous calls to impose massive tariffs on foreign-made products if he wins a second term in office, saying “we will use the hundreds of billions of tariff dollars to benefit American citizens.” He also repeated his promises to enact a 15% corporate tax rate, cut energy prices in half and set up “special zones on federal land with ultra-low taxes and regulations for Americans.”
Trump’s op-ed comes the same day as the vice presidential debate between his running mate and Walz.
Trump has argued that using massive tariffs will raise revenues and offer protection to U.S.-based industries and jobs. But many economists say that in general, while tariffs can have some benefits, they also lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers, with businesses passing the higher up-front costs they pay for imported goods along to their customers.
Harris has pushed back at Trump’s proposal on tariffs, criticizing his plan that they be across the board and calling the idea “a sales tax on the American people” in an interview with MSNBC last week. Her plans include expanding the child tax credit, raising corporate taxes and taking actions to make housing more affordable.
