Tariffs spark outrage from those with historical ties to Smoot-Hawley

In the United States, on March 3, 2025, Carey Stewart Cezar, a retired nurse from Baltimore, expressed her discontent regarding President Donald Trump's newly announced tariffs on imports. Cezar, a descendant of Rep. Willis C. Hawley, who sponsored the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, fears the potential repercussions of Trump's tariffs on the economy. This past legislation, signed into law during the Great Depression, is widely believed to have worsened economic conditions and initiated a trade war. Cezar reflected on her family's history with the act, emphasizing its negative legacy and her mother's embarrassment regarding their last name, Hawley. Financially, Cezar has felt the repercussions firsthand, observing a decline in her 401(k) retirement investments amidst Wall Street volatility linked to economic uncertainty stemming from Tariff announcements. Meanwhile, the negative impact of Trump's tariffs is felt beyond the United States, with UK businesses expressing significant concern. The Federation of Small Businesses in the UK reported that the tariffs, which include 10% on most goods and 25% on steel and aluminum, would be particularly detrimental to small to medium enterprises. 59% of small UK exporters rely on trade with the U.S. market, making them susceptible to these tariffs. The Confederation of British Industry described the situation as "deeply troubling," advising against retaliation as it may further complicate supply chain issues and exacerbate price volatility in the market. The negative market reaction included a decline in U.S. stock futures and a weakening dollar. Cezar's personal and financial experiences highlight the broader implications that economic policies can have on individual lives, especially for those with familial connections to historical policies that had disastrous effects. As she reminds those around her, understanding the complexities of tariffs is crucial as they can serve as powerful tools in economic strategy, but they often come with serious unintended consequences. She has actively urged others on social media to recognize the lessons from the past to prevent history from repeating itself, as illustrated by the hurt inflicted during previous tariff regimes. The overarching message remains clear; while tariffs may be proposed as a means to protect domestic industry, they can have far-reaching and often damaging effects both at home and in international markets. Cezar's voice is just one among many as economic strategies provoke diverse reactions rooted in personal history and financial reality.