Fareed’s take: Trump’s tariffs will bring America back to the 19th century

CNN - Apr 6th, 2025
Open on CNN

President Trump's administration has been leveraging America's considerable economic power to implement substantial tariffs on various global partners. Fareed Zakaria argues that while Trump frequently speaks about an America in decline, it is precisely these aggressive tariff policies that could precipitate such a downturn. Trump's strategy involves using tariffs as a tool to influence international trade dynamics, which in the short term, showcases America's ability to impose economic pressure worldwide.

However, the imposition of these tariffs could lead to negative long-term consequences for the United States. By alienating key trading partners and disrupting global supply chains, the tariffs risk undermining the economic stability that has traditionally supported American prosperity. Fareed's analysis suggests that such policies might inadvertently contribute to the very decline that Trump seeks to combat, highlighting the paradox within the administration's economic approach. The story underscores the importance of understanding the delicate balance between domestic economic policies and their global ramifications.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a critical perspective on President Trump's use of tariffs, suggesting they may lead to economic decline. It accurately reflects known critiques of protectionist policies but lacks balance by omitting supportive viewpoints. The absence of source attribution and transparency in the basis of claims weakens the article's credibility. Despite these shortcomings, the article remains timely and relevant, addressing an issue of significant public interest. Its clear language and logical structure enhance readability, though engagement could be improved with more vivid examples or diverse perspectives. Overall, the article contributes to the discourse on trade policies but would benefit from greater depth and context.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story accurately presents the claim that President Trump uses tariffs as a tool to address his perception of America's decline. This is supported by numerous statements and policies from Trump's administration that emphasize tariffs as a means of protecting American industries and addressing trade deficits. However, the assertion that tariffs might contribute to an American decline is more speculative. While studies indicate potential negative impacts such as increased consumer prices and reduced economic growth, the long-term effects remain uncertain. The metaphorical comparison to the 19th century is more interpretative, suggesting a return to protectionist policies, which requires further context for full accuracy. The story's claims are generally truthful and precise but would benefit from additional evidence and context to strengthen the argument.

6
Balance

The story primarily presents a critical perspective on Trump's tariff policies, suggesting they could lead to economic decline. This viewpoint is prevalent in critiques of protectionist measures, but the article lacks a balanced presentation by not including counterarguments or perspectives that might support the effectiveness of tariffs in achieving economic goals. For instance, proponents of tariffs might argue they protect domestic jobs and industries from unfair foreign competition. The absence of these perspectives creates an imbalance, leaning towards a negative portrayal of the tariff policy without exploring potential benefits or the administration's rationale in detail.

7
Clarity

The language of the article is generally clear and straightforward, making it accessible to a broad audience. The structure is concise, focusing on the main argument without unnecessary complexity. However, the use of metaphorical language, such as comparing tariffs to a return to the 19th century, may require additional explanation for some readers. While the article effectively communicates its main point, providing more context or examples would enhance comprehension and ensure the argument is fully understood.

5
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources or provide direct references to studies or expert opinions that support its claims. This lack of attribution affects the credibility and reliability of the information presented. While the general arguments align with known critiques of tariff policies, the absence of authoritative sources or data weakens the foundation of the article. Including references to economic analyses, expert commentary, or governmental reports would enhance the article's authority and impartiality.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the basis for its claims. It does not provide insight into the methodology or evidence used to support its arguments. There is no clear explanation of the context or factors influencing the claims, such as specific economic data or expert analyses. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality or validity of the article's assertions. Greater disclosure of the reasoning behind the claims and any potential conflicts of interest would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://budgetlab.yale.edu/research/where-we-stand-fiscal-economic-and-distributional-effects-all-us-tariffs-enacted-2025-through-april
  2. https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/federal/trump-tariffs-trade-war/
  3. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-declares-national-emergency-to-increase-our-competitive-edge-protect-our-sovereignty-and-strengthen-our-national-and-economic-security/
  4. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/