Why Donald Trump talks so much about William McKinley
Published On Oct 6, 2024, 9:00 AM
Donald Trump has been referencing William McKinley during his campaign due to their shared pro-tariff policies. McKinley, who was president from 1896 to 1901, promoted high tariffs to boost American industry and revenue. Trump admires this approach, advocating for tariffs as a central part of economic policy to increase U.S. revenue and reduce reliance on income taxes. Critics point out that while McKinley initially supported tariffs, he later acknowledged their limitations and leaned towards freer trade. This oversight could signal that Trump's approach may not align with modern economic realities and could lead to negative economic consequences.