This week, President Trump signed executive orders to impose tariffs on more than 67 countries that are shipping goods to the United States. These percentages range from 10 percent and 41 percent, the highest percentage being Syria and Brazil. Although there was initial widespread concern and skepticism, recent latest deals and results have brought dollars into our nation and turned skeptics into believers.

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So how do these tariffs work and how has the administration decided who should pay what? President Trump implemented a global tariff base rate at 10% and then increased the individual tariff based on the country’s monetary deficit to the United States: the higher the deficit, the higher the tariff rate. 

The results are speaking for themselves with tariff income bringing a budgetary surplus in June—the first time in 10 years we are seeing this turnaround for America’s finances.

These tariffs are the latest in a line of moves that President Trump is making to not just lower our nation’s deficit, but to also showcase America’s strength around the globe. 

As mentioned earlier, his moves have divided his supporters, with many who voted for President Trump suffering as their supplies for businesses are more expensive, leading them to have to make severe changes or cuts.  

What are some other benefits of the President’s tariff strategy? 

The administration is also making moves to encourage domestic manufacturing with extra grants and funding through the Small Business Administration, to encourage U.S.-entrepreneurs and companies to fill the gaps the tariffs have left.  

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said, “Under President Trump’s leadership, this Administration is working tirelessly to restore America as the world’s manufacturing superpower – securing trillions in investments and bringing hundreds of thousands of jobs back home. I am thrilled to partner with Administrator Loeffler to usher in a new Golden Age of American manufacturing.” 

Supports of the tariffs (even those not traditionally Trump voters) say that they will change the American landscape and bring in a new age of American manufacturing, getting millions back to work and shrinking the size of welfare reliance.  

They also say that these tariffs will shrink our national debt at a rate unseen since the times of Andrew Jackson (the only President to erase the national debt), offsetting the debt-increase criticism of the Big Beautiful Bill. 

Lastly, supporters say that the tariffs will fix unfair trade practices around the world. Many industry leaders say that for too long the United States has allowed other countries to charge higher tariffs on the U.S. while we allow them to import for nothing. The tariffs are ultimately a chess move by President Trump to increase America’s power across the globe as not just a military powerhouse, but also an economic one. 

So, what is our role in praying for our government on this complex but critical issue? Three points of prayer emerge:  

1. Pray for the wisdom of the administration, that they are negotiating the best tariffs and deals for our nation—that they would be a blessing for our citizens. 
2. We also need to pray for our small businesses, that they can adapt to this changing environment and continue to be an integral part of the United States.  
3. Pray for our diplomats that the agreements they’re working on with foreign nations are upholding God’ values  and the destiny the Lord has for America.

How are you praying about the President’s tariffs? Share your prayers and scriptures below.

(Alena Orphanides is IFA’s Digital Engagement Director. Photo Credit: Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok)