What Top Conservative Political Analysts Say About President Trump’s New Tariffs

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On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump proclaimed "Liberation Day" for American workers, rolling out a bold tariff plan to reshape U.S. trade. As of April 5, a 10% tariff hits all imports, with a hefty 54% levy on Chinese goods starting April 9. Markets jolted, and political reactions flared. Among conservative analysts, opinions span from hearty approval to pointed caution, spotlighting the stakes of Trump’s economic move. Here’s what top conservative voices are saying.

A Triumph of Economic Nationalism

Some conservatives see the tariffs as a masterstroke for American sovereignty. Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, cheers them as a direct hit on decades of lopsided trade. “This is conservatism in action—shielding our workers from globalist erosion,” Cass asserts. He highlights the 54% China tariff and the end of the de minimis loophole for cheap imports as proof of Trump’s resolve. For Cass, these steps could revive industries long hammered by foreign rivals, especially in manufacturing heartlands.

Former Representative Andy Biggs, a Fox News regular, agrees, calling the tariffs “brilliant economic strategy.” He casts them as a rebuttal to Biden-era trade deficits, which ballooned to $1.2 trillion in 2024. “Trump’s forcing fair play,” Biggs says, praising the reciprocal tariff design that punishes nations blocking U.S. goods. To him, it’s not just economics—it’s a power play to reclaim America’s global edge.

Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, zeroes in on jobs. He backs the 25% tariff on foreign cars, forecasting a boom for U.S. auto plants. “This brings production back where it belongs,” Paul says, picturing revitalized factories in states like Ohio and Michigan. For these analysts, Trump’s tariffs deliver on the “America First” promise with gusto.

Cautions of Economic and Political Risk

Not every conservative is on board. Thomas Sowell, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, raises a red flag steeped in history. “Tariffs can backfire—think Smoot-Hawley,” he warns, recalling the 1930s trade war that worsened the Great Depression. Sowell gets Trump’s goal of slashing the trade deficit but fears long-term tariffs could spark retaliation and stall growth. The Dow’s 1,200-point tumble on April 3 lends weight to his unease.

Stephen Moore, a Heritage Foundation economist and Trump ally, offers a different critique. “These tariffs could choke the very growth we’ve fought for,” Moore says, estimating a $2,000 annual price hike for households. He worries higher costs could sour voters on Trump’s economic record, especially after inflation dogged the 2024 campaign. For Moore, the risk isn’t just economic—it’s a political tightrope for the GOP.

Senator Rand Paul, a libertarian-leaning conservative, questions the scope. “Blanket tariffs punish American consumers as much as foreign producers,” he argues, citing Kentucky’s bourbon exports as a potential casualty of retaliation. Paul’s stance reflects a free-market strain within conservatism, wary of Trump’s heavy-handed approach.

Bridging the Divide: Support with Caveats

Some analysts tread a middle path. Senate Majority Leader John Thune backs the tariffs’ aim but calls for precision. “We want better trade deals, not a sledgehammer,” he says, mindful of export-reliant states like South Dakota. Thune embodies a pragmatic conservatism that cheers the intent while sweating the details.

Sowell, despite his skepticism, sees a silver lining. “Used briefly, tariffs can squeeze bad actors like China,” he allows, separating short-term leverage from long-term peril. This balanced take mirrors a wider conservative tension: Can Trump wield tariffs deftly enough to win without wounding?

Conservatism at a Crossroads

The tariffs lay bare a rift in conservative ranks. Free-market stalwarts like Sowell, Moore, and Rand Paul spar with economic nationalists like Cass and Biggs. This clash could steer GOP rhetoric as elections near. Success might lock in Trump’s vision as conservative gospel; failure could splinter a party still navigating his shadow.

Globally, the stakes differ by lens. Cass views tariffs as a muscle-flexing win for America’s clout, while Sowell fears a step back from economic leadership. As of April 5, 2025, the outcome hangs in the balance.

Conclusion

Conservative analysts are split on Trump’s tariffs. Cass, Biggs, and Paul hail a bold stand for American workers, while Sowell, Moore, and Rand Paul flag economic traps and political pitfalls. Thune and others straddle the line, rooting for results but bracing for turbulence. Whether “Liberation Day” frees or fetters America is to be determined. For now, the conservative debate rages—loud, diverse, and far from resolved—hinting Trump’s tariff legacy could either unify or unravel the movement he redefined.