Tariffs can have an upside, but not the way Trump is using them

Re “Will tariffs slow the U.S. economy in 2026?” (Oct. 17): Tariffs are not a bad idea; however, they must be applied strategically. Donald Trump does not have the mental capacity to do that. He plays checkers while the rest of the world plays chess. America is already seeing problematic inflation, and it will become significantly worse in February and March as people lose their health insurance and corporations will no longer absorb losses. This does not matter for the ultra-wealthy. However, it impacts the middle class and below, and Trump cannot relate to their pain.

In addition, Trump’s actions will hurt the U.S. economy further down the road. Countries will not trust us, and they will find other markets. Good luck, America — we will need it.

— Ronald Harris, Scripps Ranch