...His ancestors didn't own any slaves...'s tariffs would crush the economy. They said Americans would face soaring prices and crashing markets. The reality? As we near the end of 2025, the story looks very different. Growth is up, markets are strong, and strategic onshore opportunities are emerging. Let's break it down.
Tariffs are boosting revenue.
Rather than dragging the economy down, tariffs have become a colossal source of revenue. Tariff collections hit $100 billion in the first half of fiscal 2025, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection expects that figure to eclipse $300 billion by the end of the year. That money is helping real Americans — supporting military families and making sure our service members receive their paychecks on time during the government shutdown.
Tariffs are solving America's trade problems.
Tariffs not only provide immediate benefits but also address America's long-term structural trade issues. This administration has used tariffs as a strategic tool to bring other countries to the negotiating table, reaping immediate benefits. From trade deals with the U.K., E.U., Japan, and more, President Trump has brought down both tariff and non-tariff barriers on American exports and secured hundreds of billions in new investment — a tremendous boost for American workers and companies.
The stock market is thriving.
Investor confidence has soared, with major indices hitting record highs. All three major indexes — the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq—hit all-time highs this month, reflecting optimism about economic growth and corporate earnings. Even amid global uncertainty, markets are proving resilient.
Inflation is stabilizing.
Many Americans feel that prices are higher than ever, and affordability is a daily concern. It's true — under the previous administration, inflation surged and stretched household budgets. But the Trump administration's tariff policies have helped slow the rate of price increases. The Federal Reserve's preferred measure — the PCE Price Index — rose just 0.3% in August, bringing the annual rate to 2.7%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, held at 2.9%, right around the Fed's target. Given consistent increases in average wage growth, real wages have remained stable.