top of page

Trump’s External Revenue Service: A Bold Step for American Prosperity

Briggs McCriddle

As President Donald Trump charts a path toward economic revitalization, his External Revenue Service (ERS) proposal stands as a bold initiative aimed at protecting American workers, boosting domestic industry, and ensuring fair trade practices. By leveraging tariffs, enforcing penalties on unfair competitors, and ensuring foreign firms contribute fairly to the U.S. economy, the ERS could be a game-changer for American prosperity.

One of the key questions surrounding this initiative is: Should the U.S. take decisive action, including seizing foreign assets such as vessels calling at American ports, to enforce these policies?


The External Revenue Service: A New Era of Fair Trade: The ERS is designed to function as a powerful enforcement mechanism to prevent economic exploitation by foreign entities. Under Trump’s leadership, the ERS would:

- Implement strategic tariffs to protect U.S. manufacturing and workers.

- Ensure accountability by penalizing companies that benefit unfairly from access to U.S. markets.

- Generate revenue by making sure foreign firms contribute their fair share when profiting from American consumers.

Trump has long championed economic nationalism, securing better trade deals, bringing jobs back to the U.S., and standing up to nations that take advantage of America’s open markets. The ERS would build on these successes, reinforcing America First trade policies.

Enforcement: Would the U.S. Seize Foreign Assets?

One of the strongest tools in enforcing ERS policies could involve confiscating assets from companies that violate U.S. trade laws. This concept is not without precedent:

- Seizure of sanctioned vessels: The U.S. has previously impounded ships violating sanctions against Iran and Russia.

- Customs enforcement: Under existing laws, U.S. authorities already detain goods suspected of violating trade regulations.

- Strategic economic measures: Other nations, including China, have used asset restrictions to advance their trade interests—Trump’s ERS would level the playing field.

By holding foreign businesses accountable, the ERS would prevent unfair trade practices and deter economic aggression from adversarial nations.


How the ERS Could Strengthen the U.S. Economy: While critics may argue that strict enforcement could lead to trade disputes, the benefits of ERS policies could outweigh the risks:

1. Protecting American Jobs: By discouraging outsourcing and penalizing unfair competitors, the ERS could revitalize U.S. manufacturing and create more jobs for American workers.

2. Strengthening National Security: Controlling foreign access to U.S. markets and infrastructure ensures that economic policies align with national security interests.

3. Increasing U.S. Revenue: By ensuring foreign companies pay their fair share, the ERS could generate billions in additional revenue, reducing dependence on domestic tax hikes.

4. Ensuring Trade Fairness: Rather than allowing foreign nations to take advantage of the U.S., Trump’s plan would force global competitors to play by the same rules.


A Smart, Strategic Approach: Rather than outright vessel seizures, a measured enforcement strategy could include:

- Higher port fees or trade penalties for non-compliant companies.

- Targeted tariff enforcement at customs checkpoints to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

- Financial sanctions ensuring compliance without significantly impacting global trade.

These strategies would allow the U.S. to assert economic strength while maintaining diplomatic balance.

Trump’s Vision: A Fairer, Stronger America: The External Revenue Service represents a proactive, America-first approach to economic policy. While past administrations have allowed foreign competitors to exploit loopholes, Trump’s bold vision would ensure that U.S. industries, workers, and businesses are protected.

By holding foreign firms accountable, ensuring fair competition, and securing America’s economic future, the ERS could be one of Trump’s most transformative policies. As trade enforcement evolves, one thing is clear—America will no longer be taken advantage of.


8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

留言


bottom of page