White House Econ Goon Admits Trump’s Tariff Refund Plan Is a ‘Mess’
This story raises questions about governance, accountability, and American values.
CBS NewsKevin Hassett agreed that the potential rollout of tariff refunds “is a mess” after trying—and failing—to explain how the system would actually work.“It would be very complicated,” he told host Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation Sunday.
It was soon after the Director of the National Economic Council, 63, seemingly admitting that some impacts of tariffs were, in fact, paid by companies and consumers.Donald Trump’s refund plan has been floated for months, with the president’s brainwave of issuing $2000 rebates currently tied to a larger tariff debate in the Supreme Court.Read more at The Daily Beast.
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
The recent comments from Kevin Hassett, acknowledging the confusion surrounding Trump’s tariff refund plan, spotlight a critical misunderstanding in current economic discussions. Mainstream media often relegates tariffs to the binary of good or bad without exploring the deeper implications for national security and economic sovereignty. This reductionist view fails to account for the nuanced reality that tariffs can bolster domestic industries while also impacting consumers.
Admitting the potential messiness of a refund system underscores a key conservative concern: the importance of clear and functional policy frameworks. A convoluted approach to tariffs could erode public trust in government effectiveness, complicating what should be straightforward economic principles. We must question the practicality of implementing such a complex plan amidst larger economic challenges.
Ultimately, the focus should be on institutional stability and enforcing policies that genuinely benefit American workers and businesses, rather than getting lost in bureaucratic tangles or political theatrics. Consistent and pragmatic approaches to trade serve the national interest better than half-formed plans that could be easily exploited or mismanaged.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.