Peach Tree Times

Steve Cortes, President of the League of American Workers, said that tariffs should be "permanent and predictable," rather than being used as short-term negotiation tools. He made this statement in a Substack piece for Cortes Investigates on April 2.

"Tariffs comprise a foundational pillar of a bold new economic agenda for America," said Cortes, Founder of League of American Workers. "The key to the success of tariffs: make them permanent and predictable. These trade protections for American industries and workers should not be considered mere negotiation tools or leverage points, but rather as “admission tickets” to the “box seats. The American market is the crown jewel consumer base and envy of company in every country…so let's charge a premium for access."

According to AP News, President Trump has implemented a series of tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances and revitalizing American manufacturing. On April 2, 2025, he announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with additional country-specific tariffs targeting nations with substantial trade surpluses with the U.S. These measures are designed to encourage domestic production and reduce the U.S. trade deficit, which has grown since the 1990s.

In a piece titled "Trump, Tariffs, and the Liberation of Main Street Prosperity," Cortes described the proposed tariffs as an "admission ticket" for foreign companies to access the American consumer market. This approach aims to "prioritize onshoring," creating broader economic opportunities for all Americans. He said this economic shift mirrors the actions of figures like Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln, who championed protective tariffs.

Cortes argued that tariff policy will boost market confidence. While there has been uncertainty surrounding recent shifts in trade policy, he suggests providing a predictable and steady tariff regime would alleviate market volatility. A proposed 20% across-the-board tariff is seen as a solution that would both discourage unfair trade practices and still allow for necessary imports. This level of tariff is framed as a middle ground, aligning with tariffs already imposed by the European Union. "Even though the CEOs of multinational conglomerates generally disdain tariffs and compelled onshoring, if the policy shifts into tariffs are well-telegraphed and rarely altered, then those business leaders can plan and invest accordingly," Cortes said.

Cortes also mentioned that Apple and Hyundai have made investments in U.S. manufacturing. Apple is expanding its domestic production efforts, including a campus in Austin, Texas, while Hyundai is committing to a large new plant in Ellabell, Georgia focused on electric vehicle production. These moves are seen as examples of how tariff-driven policies are encouraging onshoring and creating jobs in the U.S. "We want a country teeming with production here, from tangible goods to the most advanced AI," he said. "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."

Steve Cortes is president of the League of American Workers, a populist right pro-laborer advocacy group, and senior political advisor to Catholic Vote according to Cortes Investigates. He is also noted as being a former senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance, plus a former commentator for Fox News and CNN.