OPINION:
From the moment President Trump made the bold decision to impose tariffs, I recognized that we were at a defining moment in American history. It was a moment when we chose not to bow to foreign manipulation or surrender our economic future to the whims of global elites but instead to stand tall and fight for American dignity, jobs and sovereignty.
As chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Hispanic Leadership Coalition and as someone who has led the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the country, I stand firmly with Mr. Trump’s tariff policy, even as the administration enacts a 90-day pause on new tariffs for most countries, with the notable exception of China. This move underscores Mr. Trump’s thoughtful, measured approach that balances strength with strategic patience, but make no mistake: The broader tariff framework is not going anywhere, nor should it.
Tariffs are not about isolationism. They’re about fairness. They are about protecting American industries, including the Hispanic workforce that is so often at the heart of our economy, from being steamrolled by countries that engage in currency manipulation, forced labor and state-sponsored subsidies.
At Goya Foods, we have had to navigate this global minefield. I’ve seen firsthand how so-called free trade often translates into one-sided deals that devastate American manufacturers. When steel prices soared by 64%, we were forced to raise the cost of canned goods by 50%, not because of inefficiency but because our supply chain was vulnerable to foreign manipulation. Meanwhile, our operations in places such as the Dominican Republic, where some tariffs do not apply, allowed us to maintain more competitive pricing. That disparity proves the system is rigged and long overdue for reform.
Moreover, countries such as Australia and members of the European Union have imposed punitive tariffs that restrict American exports, making it harder for companies like ours to compete overseas. Why should we open our markets wide to their goods while our products are met with barriers abroad? The “America First” approach says: Enough.
That’s why Mr. Trump’s tariff stance is critical, especially the continued hard-line position on China. China has for too long exploited American goodwill, flooding our markets with underpriced goods while stealing our intellectual property and exploiting laborers, including children. Pausing tariffs on some partners to give space for recalibration is pragmatic, but maintaining pressure on bad actors like China is principled leadership in action.
Some politicians, particularly those who spent decades championing unfettered trade deals, have suddenly changed their tune. Democrats such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer once embraced trade policies that hollowed out our heartland and empowered foreign regimes. Now, when faced with an administration willing to put American workers first, they cry foul. This hypocrisy isn’t just political; it’s also dangerous. It undermines our long-term economic security and the trust of the American people.
While some pundits wring their hands about potential short-term economic disruptions, the real threat lies in continuing down the path of dependency and decline. Tariffs are not a punishment; they are a course correction that allows us to rebuild domestic capacity, protect strategic industries and ensure that our wealth is no longer siphoned off by global competitors who play by their own rules.
Mr. Trump’s policies have given us a blueprint for resilience. Whether you’re a factory worker in Ohio, a small-business owner in Texas or a manufacturer in Florida’s Hispanic community, the message is clear: You matter. Your job matters. Your future matters.
These tariffs, even with temporary recalibration, are a commitment to building a strong, fair and sustainable economy. They shield the economic interests of today and the generations that will inherit the America we are shaping now.
As someone who has spent decades immersed in global commerce, I can say with conviction that Mr. Trump’s strategy works. It puts America first without apology. It restores dignity to our workers. It also reminds the world that the United States will never be a dumping ground for predatory trade practices again.
We have a choice: to return to the broken model of the past or to fight for a future where every American, regardless of background, can thrive in a fair and free economy. I choose the latter. I choose “America First.”
• Bob Unanue is a senior adviser for America First Works. He served as president and chief executive officer of Goya Foods and Goya Cares, as well as executive producer of the movie “Sound of Freedom.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.