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Opinion
Karl W. Smith

The Problems With Warren’s ‘Economic Patriotism’

The U.S. can’t replicate its rivals’ success in exports without hurting parts of its own economy.

Pencils don’t explain as much as she thinks.

Pencils don’t explain as much as she thinks.

Photographer: Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images North America
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Senator Elizabeth Warren’s plan for “Economic Patriotism” may be her most dramatic and consequential yet. Directly challenging President Donald Trump on the issue of trade, the proposal outlines ways to revive U.S. manufacturing, and it will undoubtedly be politically popular.

Its economic feasibility, however, is less certain. The U.S. can’t replicate its rivals’ success in exports without destroying the parts of America that are already great.