Looking to the Future: The Deindustrialization of America & What President Trump Plans to Do About It
America deserves a more sustainable way forward.
By Caroline Dawson
Economic revitalization was one of the most prominent topics discussed in the heat of the recent presidential election, highlighting the desire of the American people to renew the motivation behind the American Dream. In the wake of the election results, President-elect Donald Trump has outlined the policies he intends to implement, aiming to foster a thriving economy for all Americans.
Beyond the Bottom Line
Federal policies have neglected America’s working class for far too long. The American economy has evolved into an environment that caters to corporate donors. Donor support has ultimately motivated the prioritization of profit above American-made production. Although savvy business leaders must express concern for shareholder desires and do what is necessary to be financially successful, it is ignorant to suggest compromising the welfare of a nation’s economy to do so. According to the Wall Street Journal, “making things matters [because] the economy’s growth and dynamism depend on it.” Business leadership requires self-sacrifice, which, at times, lends itself to forsaking personal profit to do what is right to advance the long-term vision. (LISTEN MORE: Economics with Dr. Hendrickson: Why Free Markets Aren’t on the Ballot)
Tariff Legislation History and Effects
The concept of free trade, introduced by Reagan with the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement, began with good intentions to leverage the strengths of the two countries. However, the Clinton administration exacerbated the efforts to abolish domestic policies through the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 and the formation of the World Trade Organization in 1995. Long-standing bipartisan support for free trade has undermined economic prosperity, especially in rural areas that have historically relied on factory jobs.
The Wall Street Journal also states:
America’s cumulative trade debt of $15 trillion…will hamstring future generations…As Warren Buffett put it… ‘Our country has been behaving like an extraordinarily rich family that possesses an immense farm…We have…been both selling pieces of the farm and increasing the mortgage on what we still own.’
Buffett’s words should serve as a warning. Persistent trade deficits will result in long-term economic devaluation and increasing national debt due to an imbalance in financial inflows versus outflows. This not only leaves future generations with less assets and more liabilities, but it also results in a vulnerable economy susceptible to structural instability. America deserves a more sustainable way forward that incentivizes the internal health of the nation through domestic manufacturing, discouraging imports and promoting exports. This topic continues to spark controversy today, as President Trump strategizes to reenact policies that promote the American Dream.
America’s Future
President Trump has released his plan to not only combat the recent economic downturn, but also use leverage to stop illegal immigration and put an end to drug cartels’ grasps on American soil. On Monday, November 25, President Trump announced that he will charge Mexico and Canada a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States as well as a 10% tariff on China on top of existing tariffs. He threatened to sign these tariffs into effect as one of the first pieces of legislation in his second term presidency until these countries agree to end the invasion of America with drugs and crime brought about through illegal immigrants.
Trade policies, among other strategies, will be part of how America renews its security and encourages flourishing. With America’s new vision, freedom will be restored without government overreach. The American Dream is about to make a comeback, which is what the American people deserve.
About the Author
Caroline Dawson is a senior at Grove City College majoring in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Management. In addition to serving as a Marketing Fellow for the Institute for Faith & Freedom, she is involved on campus with various activities and groups. She is the senior head of the Fall Orchesis Dance Company, an ambassador for the Career Services Office, a member of the Crimson and White Society, Mortar Board, and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary, a teaching assistant for the entrepreneurship department, a cellist in the symphonic orchestra, and the treasurer of the Theta Alpha Pi sorority.
Caroline passionately believes that the truth sets people free, therefore, she strives to fulfill her duty as both a Christian and an American citizen to advocate for biblical citizenship and the values that support it. She actively participates in the conservative movement and has always been passionate about politics. Caroline had internships the past two summers at UPMC as a product management intern in 2023 as well as a corporate supply chain associate in 2024. Currently, she is looking to pursue a career in private equity investment and portfolio management with a hope to start her own business one day.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Brandon Mowinkel on Unsplash (Cropped)