Details matter. Tariffs CAN promote domestic manufacturing and raise wages. But a few things need to be true for that to happen:

1. Targeted specific tariffs aimed at industries we want to protect. Not a flat across the board tariffs on all / most things coming in. The latter IS just a tax on the consumer.

2. Other policies aimed at promoting the said industries. e.g. CHIPS act.

3. Consistency, predictability and stability of policies. No one is going to move manufacturing to the US if they aren't sure if tariffs are going up or down or will get removed entirely on short notice at a whim.

We have none of the above.