Trump Tariffs Erode US Trustworthiness and Credibility

Donald Trump's tariff policies have been widely criticized for their illegality and harm to the US economy. But according to economist David Hebert, there is a more insidious consequence of these tariffs: they have eroded the trustworthiness and credibility of the United States on the world stage.

In April 2025, Trump announced his 'Liberation Day' tariffs, which targeted countries such as Canada, the European Union, the UK, and Mexico. These tariffs were justified by allegations of forced labor practices in these nations, but Hebert argues that this has led to a decline in US reputation and trustworthiness.

As a result, foreign trading partners will be less willing to make agreements with the US, and businesses and investors will be less likely to trade with America. This is because they have learned that an agreement with the US is not worth the paper it's printed on, and that the US will accuse its allies of horrendous practices if it means re-imposing tariffs.

Hebert notes that this damage cannot be undone by court decisions or policy reversals. The judicial process moves slowly, allowing significant harm to be inflicted before any resolution is reached.