Fact Check: Globalization's American-led era of free trade is ending.

Fact Check: "Globalization's American-led era of free trade is ending."

What We Know

The claim that "Globalization's American-led era of free trade is ending" is supported by recent actions and statements from former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding his imposition of tariffs on foreign goods. In a fact sheet issued in April 2025, Trump declared a national emergency due to foreign trade practices, stating that these practices have led to significant trade deficits and have undermined American manufacturing. He announced a 10% tariff on all countries, with additional tariffs on those with whom the U.S. has the largest trade deficits.

Experts have noted that Trump's tariffs represent a significant shift away from the free trade policies that have characterized U.S. economic strategy since World War II. According to a Washington Post article, Trump's actions mark a decisive end to an era of globalization that has been shaped by American leadership. This sentiment is echoed by Carmen Reinhart, a former chief economist of the World Bank, who described the situation as "the nail in the coffin of globalization."

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from both official government statements and expert analyses. The fact sheet outlines Trump's rationale for tariffs, emphasizing the need to protect American workers and restore manufacturing jobs, which have been perceived to be lost due to globalization and trade imbalances. This perspective aligns with a broader trend of increasing protectionism observed in various countries, particularly in the U.S. under Trump's administration.

Critically, while Trump's policies are framed as necessary for national security and economic sovereignty, they have also been met with skepticism from mainstream economists. The Washington Post highlights that many economists believe such protectionist measures could lead to a global recession, indicating a potential backlash against these policies. Furthermore, the historical context provided suggests that the globalization era has brought significant benefits, including poverty reduction in developing nations and economic growth in the U.S. However, it has also led to job losses in certain sectors, creating a complex narrative around the impacts of globalization.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, with the fact sheet coming directly from the White House and the Washington Post being a reputable news organization. However, it is essential to recognize that the interpretations of these events can vary significantly based on political and economic perspectives.

Conclusion

The claim that "Globalization's American-led era of free trade is ending" is True. The actions taken by former President Trump, particularly the imposition of tariffs and the declaration of a national emergency regarding trade practices, signify a marked shift away from the principles of free trade that have dominated U.S. economic policy for decades. This transition reflects a broader trend towards protectionism and a reevaluation of globalization's benefits and drawbacks.

Fact Check: Globalization's American-led era of free trade is ending.