Do US tariffs help or hurt the American economy?

Context

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods designed to protect domestic industries and raise government revenue, but economists debate their net effects on the broader economy. Supporters argue tariffs shield American workers and manufacturers from foreign competition, while critics contend they raise consumer prices, invite retaliation, and reduce overall economic efficiency. The question has intensified in recent years as trade tensions with China and other partners have prompted significant tariff increases, making the empirical evidence on their economic impact increasingly relevant to policy.