America First: Trump’s tariffs put Nevada workers back on top

By Nevada News and Views Staff

President Donald Trump took another big step this week to put American workers, farmers, and businesses ahead of foreign competitors.

On Monday, he signed an executive order that adjusts how his reciprocal tariffs work and lays out a new process for trade deals with U.S. partners.

If that sounds complicated, here’s the short version: Trump is making sure America isn’t the sucker in global trade anymore.

For decades, other countries charged U.S. goods higher tariffs than we charged theirs. That meant our products were more expensive overseas, while their products flooded into our stores at cheaper prices.

The result? A massive trade deficit and shuttered factories across America.

Trump is trying to flip that script — and Nevadans stand to benefit.

What Changed This Week

Trump’s new order updates the list of products covered by tariffs. For example, some critical minerals and pharmaceutical products were taken off the tariff list because they’re needed here at home.

On the other hand, items like certain aluminum and silicone products were added to the list to make sure foreign suppliers don’t undercut American industries.

Starting September 8, these changes kick in.

Businesses in Nevada that rely on raw materials — like our construction industry and tech companies — will feel the impact directly.

By protecting key U.S. industries, Trump is aiming to secure our supply chains and keep jobs in America instead of sending them overseas.

Holding Other Countries Accountable

This isn’t just about protecting our market. Trump is also using tariffs to push back on bad behavior by foreign governments.

—China: A 20 percent tariff to disrupt the pipeline of synthetic opioids.

—Mexico: A 25 percent tariff tied to stopping the drug flow across the southern border.

—Canada: A 35 percent tariff for its role in cross-border drug trafficking.

—Brazil and India: Additional tariffs after policies there threatened U.S. national security and energy independence.

Critics complain that tariffs raise prices on imported goods. But supporters argue that it’s a price worth paying if it means more American jobs, stronger supply chains, and leverage in global negotiations.

For Nevadans, that could mean more manufacturing investment in the state and less reliance on fragile foreign suppliers.

Trade Deals Bringing Money Back Home

It’s not all about punishment. Trump is also rewarding allies willing to make fair deals.

Japan just signed a framework agreement with the United States, opening its markets to billions in American goods. That includes $8 billion in U.S. farm products like corn and soybeans, plus $7 billion a year in energy purchases.

Japan also pledged $550 billion in investments into American industries — from semiconductors to shipbuilding.

Nevada, with its growing role in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, could be a major winner here.

For example, Japan’s pledge to fund energy and critical minerals projects lines up with the state’s push for lithium mining and battery technology in places like Thacker Pass.

What Trump’s Trade Policy Means for Nevada Families

For decades, Nevada has leaned heavily on tourism and gaming. But recent years have shown how risky that can be when the economy takes a hit.

Expanding into manufacturing, energy, and technology makes our state stronger and more diverse. Trump’s tariffs and trade deals create the conditions for those industries to grow.

If foreign competitors have to play by the same rules as U.S. businesses, Nevada companies get a fair shot at winning contracts, expanding production, and hiring more local workers.

It’s also about security. By bringing supply chains back to America, we reduce the chance of being held hostage by countries like China.

For Nevadans, that means a stronger economy and a safer country.

Trump’s Tariffs Put America First — And Nevada Too

President Trump’s latest tariff moves may sound like dry policy, but the effects are real.

Fairer trade rules mean more jobs, stronger industries, and less reliance on hostile nations. While some critics warn about higher prices, the long-term payoff is a more secure and self-reliant America.

And for Nevada — from mining in the north to construction and tech in Las Vegas — that means opportunity.