AP: Trump loves the Gilded Age and its tariffs. It was a great time for the rich but not for the many
Experts on the era say Trump is idealizing a time rife with government and business corruption, social turmoil and inequality. They argue he’s also dramatically overestimating the role tariffs played in stimulating an economy that grew mostly due to factors other than the U.S. raising taxes on imported goods.
And Gilded Age policies, they maintain, have virtually nothing to do with how trade works in a globalized, modern economy.
“The most astonishing thing for historians is that nobody in the Gilded Age economy — except for the very rich — wanted to live in the Gilded Age economy,” said Richard White, a history professor emeritus at Stanford University.
TorStar: Snowbirds confused over conflicting guidance on Trump policy
Canadian snowbirds and others travelling to the U.S. for long-term stays are facing conflicting information around whether they need to register under new rules bought in by the Trump administration.
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“It’s in our country’s (the U.S.’s) interest to have rich, retired Canadians go there and spend money in Florida,” he added. “And I don’t know why we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”
Last Updated: 11.Mar.2025 13:22 EDT
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