Trump Revives Gilded Age Policies with Tariffs and Territorial Aspirations

President Trump draws inspiration from William McKinley’s protectionist trade policies and expansionist ambitions, raising concerns about economic and diplomatic implications.

• President Trump has embraced William McKinley’s late 19th-century policies, including high tariffs and territorial expansion, as a model for economic growth and national strength.
• Trump recently reinstated the name 'Mount McKinley' for North America’s tallest peak, signaling his admiration for McKinley’s legacy.
• Historians caution that the economic and political conditions of the Gilded Age differ significantly from today, with tariffs unlikely to fund modern government expenditures effectively.
• Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, citing border security concerns, and threatened tariffs on other nations for geopolitical leverage, raising fears of trade wars escalating into broader conflicts.
• Critics argue that Trump’s protectionist approach risks economic instability and strained alliances, echoing the challenges faced during McKinley’s era of aggressive trade and territorial policies.

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