Former Trump economic adviser calls tariffs a “sledgehammer”

Stephen Moore, former economic adviser to President Trump, likened the administration’s newly imposed tariffs to a “sledgehammer.”

Moore joined CNN on Thursday, just the day after Trump announced a 10% general tariff on all imports to the United States and imposed tariffs on dozens of other countries around the world.

“I’m not a big supporter of tariffs. I’m a big supporter of Donald Trump, but I do think he’s a master negotiator and I think at the end of the day he’s going to negotiate lower tariffs globally.”

He added: “So, it’s something I think we can all applaud, but it’s kind of like a sledgehammer.”

Moore stressed that appeals from various countries affected by Trump’s tariffs on the U.S. could be caused to the United States to ease trade restrictions.

Strategists warn that Trump may receive many calls from countries that hope to be exempt from tariffs.

While the impact of tariffs was only in the early stages, global markets have declined due to the concern and uncertainty arising from the new trade war.

Under Trump’s new plan, China will face the highest effective tariff rate in any country. Still, Moore hopes the president will raise tariffs on the country.

“I really want to focus on two things. I think, first of all, China cheats and steals, is a real effort for the world economy. So we should hit China first,” Moore said.

“Then, second, I do think Trump’s idea of ​​reciprocity to the amount of tariffs, especially the reciprocity of the great powers we trade with is an appropriate response,” he added.

Moore served as economic adviser to Trump’s 2016 presidential election.

Although he pointed out that the tariff plan is a “sledgehammer” that is swaying internationally, he supports Trump’s idea that will enhance the competitive environment with trading partners.

Nevertheless, he believes that as technology develops, the manufacturing industry the government hopes to bring back to the United States will be outdated within a few years.

“The United States should really focus on high value-added work, not jobs that may not appear in 10 or 15 years,” Moore said.

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