Do US tariffs ultimately harm American consumers and the economy?

Context

Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, designed to protect domestic industries but often raising prices for consumers and businesses that rely on foreign inputs. The debate over their economic impact hinges on whether short-term protection of American jobs and industries outweighs long-term costs like higher consumer prices, reduced trade, and potential retaliation from trading partners. This question has intensified since 2024 as the U.S. has implemented significant tariff increases, prompting economists to assess real-world damage to growth, inflation, and household purchasing power.