Economists Condemn Trump’s Tariff Policies, Call for Free Trade

A group of renowned economists, including two Nobel laureates, have issued a forceful statement challenging the aggressive use of tariffs implemented by former President Donald Trump since 2025. Their declaration echoes concerns about protectionist measures, arguing that these policies mirror the damaging effects of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Act and hinder market stability. They advocate for a return to principles of free trade and constitutional governance, emphasizing the importance of ‘peace, commerce, and honest friendship’. This statement has garnered significant backing from over 1,368 influential figures in academia and policy circles.