President Trumps persistent tariff battle: Letters to the Editor March 18, 2025

The Issue: President Trump’s tariff battle with Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union.We should be praising President Trump for imposing these tariffs (“ ‘America 1st’ Firms Win,” March 15).It’s not just to level the playing field with Canada, Mexico, Europe, and China, but also to punish American companies operating offshore, who then import goods into America.This system is too good to be true and significantly adds to our trade deficit.Carl MerzWest Hartford, Conn.It seems like every day, or maybe every hour, Trump raises his tariff ante on America’s biggest trading partners.At first, Canada and Mexico were in the president’s crosshairs.

Now, he’s on a tariff collision course with the European Union.Who’s next?I know Trump’s top advisers believe tariffs are the pathway toward a new worldwide economic order — but, if you ask me, this all looks like quicksand building up around the White House.Denny FreidenrichLaguna Beach, Calif.Trump, while answering questions regarding the economy and specifically tariffs, said, “I could do it the easy way or the hard way.”Normally one assumes we want to do things the easy way, but he went on to say he is going to do it the hard way.As he continued to explain, I realized that we really do have a whole new brand of leader in Trump.

He doesn’t want to kick the can down the road or put a Band-Aid on a mortal wound; he wants to fix the problem.In this case, he wants to level the playing field with our trade partners.Everyone screaming “free trade” is refusing to acknowledge that free trade is only going in one direction because it’s costing us plenty.

Calm down and give the tariffs a chance.Sharon WylieWestport, Conn.Stop panicking, people: Tariffs are a good thing.They clear the air and level the playing field.For years, every other country has taken advantage of America.

It’s time that stops.If you want foreign products, that is fine.

Just don’t complain about the price.Buying...