Trump takes aim at trade deficits. Are they actually bad? : Consider This from NPR

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US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House on Wednesday.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images


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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images


US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled “Make America Wealthy Again” at the White House on Wednesday.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Whatever you think of President Trump’s tariffs, there’s one point you have to concede: his interest in them is not a passing whim.

He noted that on Wednesday, in the Rose Garden, when he was announcing the latest, massive round of tariffs. “I’ve been talking about this for 40 years,” he said.

The use of tariffs are a core belief for Donald Trump. Trade deficits are bad, other countries take advantage of the U.S. and tariffs are the way to fix this.

Since the Rose Garden announcement, markets have plunged, other countries have promised to retaliate, and members of his own party have spoken out against the tariffs.

Trump’s tariff plan is designed to eliminate U.S. trade deficits. Are trade deficits actually bad?

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

This episode was produced by Connor Donevan.

It was edited by Courtney Dorning.

Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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