President Donald Trump's recent decision to roll back specific tariffs to combat soaring consumer costs constitutes a “remarkable admission” that his signature trade policies have directly fueled inflation, argues prominent economist Justin Wolfers.

Trump Administration Knew The Implications Of Tariffs On Prices

Wolfers, a University of Michigan professor and Brookings Institution Senior Fellow, contends the administration’s selective tariff cuts reveal they privately understand basic economic principles, even while publicly downplaying the severity of inflation.

In an analysis highlighted on X, Wolfers noted the inherent contradiction of an administration that heavily promoted tariffs, now cutting them to provide price relief.

“If they’re rolling back some of the tariffs, that’s a sign that they understand the tariffs are not helpful,” Wolfers stated in an accompanying video interview.

The Trump administration wanted to do something about affordability, so it cut a few highly visible tariffs. What does that suggest they believe the rest of their tariffs, which remain in place, are doing to affordability? pic.twitter.com/bTsYmZAicQ

— Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) ...