Central to this early period was Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, a move framed by the administration as a necessary step to protect American manufacturing and address long-standing trade imbalances. The announcement was met with swift retaliation from Canada and several European nations, which unveiled billions of dollars’ worth of counter-tariffs targeting U.S. goods. These actions revived memories of earlier trade conflicts from Trump’s first term, raising concerns among economists about supply chain disruptions and rising prices for consumers and businesses alike. Trump, however, remained unapologetic, arguing that short-term pain was an acceptable cost for long-term economic sovereignty. In speeches and public statements, he emphasized the need to confront what he described as unfair trade practices and to restore leverage to American negotiators. Supporters echoed this message, praising the administration for taking a hard line and prioritizing domestic industry. Critics countered that such policies risked isolating the United States and undermining alliances. Despite these sharply divided reactions, polling data suggested that the controversy did not dramatically erode Trump’s overall standing, reinforcing the idea that his approach resonated with a significant portion of the electorate that valued assertiveness over consensus.
