As a supporter of President Donald Trump, I’ve been inspired by his bold vision to put America first and tackle unfair trade practices. His “Art of the Deal” approach to leadership gives me hope that he can negotiate a brighter future for our country. However, I’ll admit I’ve been grappling with one of his signature policies: tariffs. The recent wave of tariffs—reportedly generating $21 billion since Trump took office in January 2025—has stirred up confusion, economic turbulence, and personal financial pain. I’ve lost tens of thousands of dollars in my investments due to stock market volatility tied to tariff rhetoric and its disruptive effects on companies. Like many Americans, I’m wondering: Are these tariffs the right move? And will this temporary pain lead to long-term gains for the United States?

Clearing Up the Tariff Confusion

One of the biggest surprises I encountered was learning who actually pays tariffs. Like many, I initially believed foreign countries, like China, were footing the bill when Trump touted tariffs as a way to hold them accountable. The reality is more complex. Tariffs are taxes paid by U.S. importers—companies like Walmart, Apple, or small retailers—who bring goods into the country. For example, when a shipment of Chinese-made electronics arrives at a U.S. port, the American importer pays the tariff (e.g., 25% of the goods’ value) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This money—$21 billion and counting—goes to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund, where Congress decides how to use it, potentially to offset tax cuts or fund federal programs.

This was a tough pill to swallow. I felt misled by the narrative that foreign governments pay the price, especially when targeting China was a key talking point. In truth, U.S. importers often pass these costs to consumers through higher prices or negotiate lower prices with foreign suppliers, which can indirectly hurt countries like China by reducing demand for their goods. Still, the direct payment comes from American businesses, and that’s a nuance I wish had been clearer from the start. As a Trump supporter, I value transparency, and this misconception left me questioning the tariff strategy.

The Stock Market Pain Is Real

The tariffs’ impact on the stock market has been undeniable—and personal. Since the tariff announcements, including proposed rates as high as 145% on Chinese goods and new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, the market has been a rollercoaster. Companies reliant on global supply chains—think tech giants, retailers, and manufacturers—have seen their stock prices plummet as investors fear higher costs, reduced profits, and trade wars. My portfolio has taken a hit, with losses in the tens of thousands, and I know I’m not alone. The uncertainty around tariffs, coupled with retaliatory measures from countries like Canada (which imposed $20.6 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods), has shaken investor confidence.

Analysts warn that tariffs could raise consumer prices by 1.4–5.1%, costing households $1,900–$7,600 annually. This hits hard for everyday Americans, especially when inflation is already a concern. The stock market’s reaction reflects these fears, as well as the reality that tariffs suppress imports, disrupt supply chains, and invite retaliation. While I support Trump’s goal of bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., the short-term pain in my investments and the broader market has been tough to endure.

Why Tariffs? Understanding the Bigger Picture

Despite the challenges, I’m trying to see the forest for the trees. Trump’s tariffs aim to address long-standing trade imbalances and protect American workers. The U.S. trade deficit with China, for instance, has been a sore point for decades, and tariffs are meant to make Chinese goods less competitive, encouraging companies to produce in the U.S. or source from friendlier nations like Vietnam or Mexico. The goal is to revive domestic industries, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing—especially from geopolitical rivals.

Tariffs also serve as a negotiating tool. Trump’s “Art of the Deal” philosophy suggests he’s using high tariffs as leverage to force better trade agreements. By threatening 100–145% tariffs on Chinese imports or 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, he’s signaling that the U.S. won’t accept unfair practices, like China’s intellectual property theft or Canada’s dairy protections. If Trump can secure concessions—say, lower tariffs on U.S. exports or fairer trade terms—these short-term disruptions could yield lasting benefits.

The $21 billion in tariff revenue (based on estimates of $200–300 million daily collections) is another piece of the puzzle. While it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the $4.5 trillion cost of extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it’s money that could fund pro-growth policies or reduce the deficit. I’m hopeful Congress will allocate these funds wisely, though I’d love more clarity on their plans.

Hope for Long-Term Gains

I’m holding onto hope that this tariff storm is a necessary evil for a stronger America. If Trump’s strategy works, we could see:

• Resurgent U.S. Manufacturing: Tariffs could incentivize companies to build factories in the U.S., creating jobs and strengthening local economies.
• Fairer Trade Deals: Trump’s hardball tactics might force countries to lower their own tariffs, opening markets for U.S. exports like agriculture and technology.
• Economic Resilience: Reducing dependence on China could make the U.S. less vulnerable to global supply chain shocks, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But I’m not naive. The risks are real. Economists warn that sustained high tariffs could trigger a recession, especially if trade wars escalate or consumer spending drops due to higher prices. The stock market’s volatility reflects these concerns, and I’m praying we don’t slide into economic decline. My hope rests on Trump’s dealmaking prowess. If anyone can navigate this high-stakes chess game, it’s the author of “The Art of the Deal.” I believe he’s playing the long game—using tariffs to pressure adversaries and allies alike into agreements that put America first.

A Call for Clarity and Caution

As a Trump supporter, I want to stand behind policies that strengthen our nation, but I also want honesty about their costs. The tariff narrative needs to be clearer: U.S. importers and consumers bear the immediate burden, even if the long-term goal is to shift the economic balance. I’d urge the administration to communicate this openly and to provide a roadmap for how tariffs will lead to concrete wins, like new factories or trade agreements.

To my fellow Americans feeling the stock market pinch, I feel your pain—literally. But let’s stay focused on the potential payoff. If tariffs bring back jobs, level the playing field, and make the U.S. a manufacturing powerhouse again, the sacrifices could be worth it. Let’s hold our leaders accountable to deliver those results and avoid a recession.

Final Thoughts

I’m rooting for President Trump to pull this off. The $21 billion in tariff revenue is a start, but it’s the broader vision—fair trade, strong industries, and a thriving economy—that keeps me hopeful. The stock market may be rocky now, but I believe in the resilience of the American spirit and Trump’s ability to negotiate deals that benefit us all. Let’s weather this storm together, keep the pressure on for results, and pray that the “Art of the Deal” delivers a brighter future for the United States.