How Biden’s Weak Trade Policies Made Trump’s Tough Tariffs Necessary

What Happened

The stock market took a hit this week, with the Dow dropping for the third straight day. This followed President Trump's decision to push for tariffs on Chinese goods. China retaliated with its own set of tariffs, and confusion spread after a viral but false social media post claimed a 90-day delay on the new tariffs.

Apple stock alone dropped more than 5% at one point before partially recovering. Meanwhile, tech stocks like Nvidia and Palantir remained strong. This shows that the fight is not just about Wall Street, but about which companies are positioned to win in the long term.

Why It Matters

For years, U.S. trade policy has prioritized free trade over fair trade. Under the Biden administration, this trend continued with weak enforcement against China’s intellectual property theft, unfair subsidies, and human rights violations.

As a result, American workers have suffered. While Washington focused on diplomacy, Beijing built leverage. President Trump’s tariffs are a course correction, aiming to force China to play fairly.

Trump’s aggressive tariff stance didn’t appear out of nowhere. It is the result of years of failed trade leadership, especially under the Biden administration. Although Biden spoke tough on China during his campaign, his presidency was marked by inaction and appeasement.

His administration quietly rolled back several Trump-era enforcement mechanisms. It also avoided confronting China over its ongoing intellectual property theft and allowed U.S. industries like rare earth minerals and pharmaceuticals to remain dependent on Chinese supply chains.

Biden’s Commerce and Trade officials emphasized diplomacy and cooperation, but that didn’t stop China from expanding its influence and trade dominance. Trump’s tariffs are not just a response to Chinese aggression, but also to Biden’s neglect. Without strong leadership, the U.S. has lost leverage.

Unlike past leaders, Trump hasn’t been afraid of short-term backlash to secure long-term gains. While many on the left and in the media have criticized market dips or price increases, the bigger picture is restoring American independence in manufacturing, tech, and agriculture. Tariffs may be a blunt tool, but they are a means to bring jobs back home and stop propping up a regime that undermines the U.S. economically and strategically.

How It Affects You

The average American will likely see short-term price increases on Chinese-made goods like smartphones, appliances, and possibly some grocery products. However, there is a trade-off: continuing to depend on China means more than higher prices. It risks shortages, shipping delays, and lost jobs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans saw empty shelves, overpriced masks, and long waits for basic goods. Trump’s approach aims to avoid this by incentivizing companies to bring production back to the U.S.

For readers with a 401(k) or other investments, short-term volatility is normal. But unless you’re retiring soon, it’s not something to worry about. What matters is the long-term economic health of the country. A fairer trade deal could boost American industries and stabilize jobs, especially in manufacturing-heavy states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

For small business owners, Trump’s tariffs could level the playing field. Competing against cheap, subsidized Chinese imports is like running a race with a broken leg. These tariffs give American businesses a fighting chance.

In the end, Trump’s tariffs aren’t about punishing consumers. They’re about protecting them and their jobs, as well as future job opportunities.