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 intensified in recent years as the US has deployed tariffs as a central trade policy tool, making this a pivotal issue in debates over economic strategy and global trade.