Trump Embraces Protectionism Undermining Meritocratic Principles

An opinion piece argues that President Trump’s anti-affirmative-action rhetoric conflicts with his protectionist trade policies, which function as economic affirmative action. It cites the 2018 steel and washing-machine tariffs, an NBER finding of 12% price increases and $1.5 billion annual cost, plus $28 billion in farm aid and potential $10–50 billion bailouts. The author warns protectionism sacrifices efficiency, consumers, and innovation.