Dad Saves America Oren Cass: Free Trade Can’t Rebuild America. Tariffs Can.
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Apr 10, 2025 
Oren Cass, founder of American Compass and former domestic policy advisor to Mitt Romney, argues that America's long pursuit of free trade has backfired. He discusses how tariffs could be a solution to revitalize U.S. industry and restore community values. The conversation highlights the divide between market forces and national interest, critiques the impacts of trade deficits, and examines the role of government in fostering innovation. Cass advocates for prioritizing family and community over mere economic metrics, emphasizing the importance of cultural values.
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Deindustrialization and Economic Imbalance
- Oren Cass links deindustrialization to an imbalance in the US economy, driven by trade.
- He argues this imbalance prioritized GDP growth over broad prosperity.
Comparative Advantage in Trade
- Oren Cass explains the concept of comparative advantage in trade.
- He notes that trade can be beneficial even if one country is better at producing everything.
Balanced Trade and Asset Shift
- Oren Cass clarifies the meaning of balanced trade, focusing on goods and services exchange.
- He explains how trade deficits lead to a shift of US assets to foreign control.