Are US tariffs an effective tool for strengthening the domestic economy?

Context

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods designed to make foreign products more expensive and protect domestic industries from competition. Economists debate their effectiveness: supporters argue they shield jobs and strengthen local manufacturing, while critics contend they raise consumer prices, invite retaliation, and distort markets. The question has resurged as a central policy tool in recent years, with real-world impacts on inflation, trade relationships, and economic growth.