How Japan Influenced Trump's Ongoing Belief in Tariffs

Donald Trump's long-standing obsession with tariffs was shaped during the 1980s by Japan’s economic rise and its influence on U.S. industries. During this period, Trump was frustrated by what he perceived as unfair trade practices by Japan, which he believed was benefiting from U.S. defense protection while limiting American access to its market.

The seeds for Trump's tariff-focused worldview were planted when he witnessed Japan’s aggressive purchasing of U.S. assets like the Rockefeller Center, which fueled his resentment. Trump felt America was not receiving enough in return for its support of Japan’s military defense, an imbalance that stoked his desire to use tariffs as a tool to level the playing field.

His belief was amplified through media appearances. In 1987, he appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live and later on The Oprah Winfrey Show, criticizing U.S. trade policies, Japan's "dumping" practices, and its inability to do business with American companies. Trump’s 1987 book The Art of the Deal also reflected his disdain for Japan’s economic practices.

In a 1987 open letter, Trump criticized America’s defense commitments, arguing that countries like Japan were exploiting U.S. protection while reaping the benefits of their own booming economies. His solution? Impose tariffs to rein in these nations benefiting at America’s expense.

This view formed the foundation for his future protectionist policies, which he carried into his presidential tenure. By the time Trump took office in 2017, he had fully embraced tariffs as a means to curb trade deficits and encourage foreign countries to open their markets.

While critics argue that tariffs are often more symbolic than effective, Trump remains steadfast in his belief that they are essential for securing fairer trade. His policies have notably challenged the Republican Party’s historical commitment to free trade, though the full effects of his tariff-heavy approach are still debated among economists and lawmakers.

For Trump, tariffs are not just an economic tool; they are a symbol of his transactional worldview, one where international relations are framed by the idea that countries should "pay their fair share" for American support.

While his focus was once on Japan, the rise of China as a global competitor has since shifted the landscape. However, Trump's tariff-heavy strategy continues to define his approach to foreign policy and trade, with the aim of revitalizing U.S. manufacturing, especially in high-tech sectors.

His critics, however, worry that this could erode international alliances and weaken the U.S. economy over time, as rising prices and economic uncertainty follow in the wake of aggressive trade measures. Yet, Trump’s belief in the power of tariffs remains a cornerstone of his enduring political and economic philosophy.