And all the while, profits rise, tax breaks flow, and the distance between the top and the bottom grows harder to cross.
Even our allies see the game. Canada’s Finance Minister didn’t bother being diplomatic:
“Canada is being needlessly and unfairly targeted by these tariffs … the U.S.’s decision leaves us with no choice but to respond.”
So no, April’s inflation number isn’t proof tariffs are harmless. It’s a warning shot. The real impact is still gathering force.
The bottom line: When the government taxes imports, your wallet pays the tariff. But if that money flows uphill—while prices rise down here—it’s not just inflation. It’s theft dressed in red, white, and blue.