Tariffs go directly into the treasury. Consumers pay for tariffs with higher costs for most of what we purchase. It is a tax on us; I think we all get that now.

In the meantime, this is where the ruse comes in: President Trump will be using the expected tariffs as part of his revenue projections for getting approval for his upcoming federal budget. That budget will include lower taxes for the very rich and for corporations while the rest of us (lower and middle class) will actually be paying for it with higher prices.

What happens to the tariffs once the president’s budget is approved? I have no idea, but I suspect the damage will have already been done to our economy. Most of us will feel the pain while the ultra-wealthy will reap the benefits.

Edward Ezzard
Topsham