Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, has expressed support for President Trump’s economic plan, stating that “America First is ascendant.” This comment was made in an April 6 post on X, where Cortes discussed a “new coalition of voters who demand massive change.”
“IGNORE THE OLD GUARD,” said Cortes, Founder of League of American Workers. “The Republican Party acquiesced for years, listening to establishment Erickson-types. Surrender monkeys! America First is ascendant — and we will deliver for our new coalition of voters who demand massive change…and a renewal of the American Dream.”
Cortes’ remarks were in response to Erick Erickson’s post warning that “the right is starting to sound like Karl Marx,” which he suggested should be seen as a cautionary signal.
According to Cortes, the proposed tariffs are part of President Trump’s economic strategy. In his piece titled “Trump, Tariffs, and the Liberation of Main Street Prosperity,” he described these tariffs as an “admission ticket” for foreign companies seeking access to the American consumer market. This approach is intended to “prioritize onshoring,” thereby creating broader economic opportunities for Americans. He likened this shift to the policies of historical figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln, who supported protective tariffs.
Cortes highlighted Apple’s expansion of domestic production efforts with a new campus in Austin, Texas, and Hyundai’s commitment to a large plant in Ellabell, Georgia focused on electric vehicle production. He cited these developments as evidence that tariff-driven policies are encouraging onshoring and job creation in the U.S. Cortes said: “We want a country teeming with production here, from tangible goods to the most advanced AI. We look for a society where a single income can once again support a family comfortably. We yearn for a land where economic inequality diminishes, and shared success stirs renewed patriotism.”
Economist Oren Cass also commented on the role of tariffs in revitalizing American manufacturing and addressing free trade shortcomings. According to ForeignPolicy.com, Cass said traditional economic models predicting universal benefits from free trade have not materialized as expected since China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001. He argued that these models failed to account for adverse effects on domestic industries and workers, leading to a decline in U.S. manufacturing capabilities. By implementing tariffs, Cass believes the U.S. can correct these imbalances and enhance national security.
Steve Cortes serves as president of the League of American Workers—a populist right pro-laborer advocacy group—and senior political advisor to Catholic Vote. He is also known for his previous roles as senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance and as a commentator for Fox News and CNN.
