When Donald Trump reintroduced tariffs on North American trade partners, critics predicted disaster: skyrocketing prices, international outrage, and economic turmoil. But reality paints a different picture — one in which tariffs are a powerful tool to protect American industry, secure borders, and assert economic leadership.

A critical distinction must be made between tariffs and taxes. Taxes burden American families and businesses, often discouraging economic growth. Tariffs, however, are targeted economic tools designed to correct trade imbalances and encourage fair trade practices.

Before the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, the United States maintained a $1.6 billion trade surplus with Mexico. By 2020, this had turned into a $101 billion trade deficit, as American manufacturing jobs moved south due to cheaper labor and fewer regulations. The same trend was seen with Canada, where the U.S. now faces a $21 billion goods trade deficit despite our critical role in refining Canadian oil.

Mexico and Canada are far more reliant on the United States than we are on them:

What do we send them in return? The list reads like a survival kit for modern economies:

If these nations retaliated with tariffs, they would only cripple their economies, as they have limited alternatives for sourcing these necessities.

Unlike Mexico and Canada, the United States has abundant options for sourcing goods:

This flexibility underscores America’s strength in global trade negotiations.

As Trump correctly identified, future conflicts won’t be fought with traditional weapons but through economic leverage and societal unrest. By using tariffs strategically, America can maintain its dominance while safeguarding jobs and industries at home.

Far from being a reckless gamble, tariffs are a calculated move to protect American interests. With Mexico and Canada heavily dependent on the U.S. market, we hold the upper hand. It’s time to use that leverage to ensure a prosperous and secure future for American workers.