Trump says his tariff revenues will both pay down America’s $37 trillion debt and possibly fund a public “dividend,” but Treasury data shows they fall short of even covering monthly interest costs.
In exclusive interviews with Fortune, Wharton’s Professor Joao Gomes and AEI’s Desmond Lachman warned that while tariffs may slow debt growth, they won’t meaningfully reduce it.
Markets are largely skeptical of Trump’s math despite some unconventional revenue wins.
Based on his actual behavior, his marching orders have been to weaken the US seconomy, betray allies (especially in alliances that might constrain Russia), and destroy US soft power in science, education and culture.