EDITOR'S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Ottawa News Network.

Trump has referred to April 2 as liberation day for America. He does so to mark this day as the day he imposed new tariffs on imported goods. The question remains as to why he calls it a “liberation day.”

His thinking, if you can call it that, is to create a more balanced playing field for U.S. exports and to encourage an increase in domestic manufacturing. He argues that this will lead to a "golden age" for American workers. He has proclaimed that this "golden age" will not come without painful disruptions, but in the end his liberation day tariffs will restore American prosperity and reduce dependency on other countries. He and Vice President JD Vance are willing to face our country’s economic hardships and short-term setbacks in order to meet their goals.

In the opinions of highly knowledgeable economists, these newly imposed tariffs will only create a decrease in demand for American-made products worldwide and, as a result, will slow wage growth and increase job losses. Economists also agree that, in general, tariffs lead to higher consumer pricing due to retaliatory tariffs from other countries and a decline in stock prices.

As of Friday, March 28, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 700 points, leading to an increased fear of a looming recession. The impact to the average American consumer will be, in many cases, life-changing and life-limiting. Experts note that the average American household budget will increase by as much as $2,500 a month. Many will not be able to weather the winds of change and may be limited to choose between paying bills and purchasing ever -ncreasingly expensive groceries.

Trump plans to force other countries to lower their tariffs on U.S. goods and services. In the end, though, the American consumer will no longer have the choice to purchase goods made in other countries. Trump is limiting our purchases to American goods and keeping manufacturing on American soil.

Trump is limiting our purchasing freedoms. The reality is, however, we live in a global economy. In a recent phone interview, Trump even stated bluntly: “ I couldn’t care less if they raise prices because Americans will start buying American-made cars.”

Even if an automobile is manufactured in an American auto plant, on average, 50% to 75% of the parts typically come from other countries. Auto components such as electronics, engine parts and even tires are examples of items purchased by American auto makers, such as Ford, GM, and Chrysler.

The fact is, there are no such autos completely made in America. Tariffs, or no, we will need to continue to depend on other countries for materials and resources to produce our American goods. He completed his phone interview by stating, "I couldn’t care less, because if prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars.”

We will be burdened with inflated pricing and limited purchasing power. During his March 4 speech to a joint session of Congress, Trump stated: "We are achieving the great liberation of America, but there still is much work to be done.” He continued by stating, “Whatever they tax us, we will tax them!” These actions may lead, however, to a dramatic recession.

Goldman Sachs says that the probability of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months has nearly doubled from 20% to 35%. Trump’s imposed tariffs will include all countries, not just Canada, Mexico and China.

We, as Americans, are being limited, not liberated. We will be limited to:

• What we can purchase.
• When we can afford to purchase.
• How we will be able to afford to purchase.

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Americans will suffer. We will be limited, but not completely powerless. We, as citizens, especially business owners, can get involved and engage politically. We can continue to petition elected officials, participate in public townhalls and public hearings, and join local organizations formed to influence political change in policy, tariff reductions and economic programs.

We are being limited by this so-called "liberation day," but we can choose to act. In that, comes true liberation.

— Nancy Berg is a climate activist and concerned citizen. She resides in Holland.