US fixation on the hard-hat economy and making manufacturing great again makes little sense

The Guardian World

by Eduardo Porter

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The US political focus on revitalizing its manufacturing sector, often framed as making "manufacturing great again," is driven by nostalgia rather than economic necessity. This fixation has roots in the 1990s, when Ross Perot warned of job losses due to NAFTA, and has persisted through the Trump presidency, Joe Biden's agenda, and Trump's 2024 campaign. While the rhetoric emphasizes restoring lost jobs and boosting industrial strength, critics argue that this approach overlooks the broader economic landscape and risks harming US consumers with protectionist policies. The nostalgia-driven push for a manufacturing revival is often tied to romanticized notions of an industrial past, such as "greasy overalls," which evoke imagery of a bygone era. However, modern economic realities suggest that focusing solely on manufacturing ignores the benefits of a diversified economy, including service industries and innovation sectors. This narrow focus can lead to policies that distort markets, raise prices for consumers, and hinder global competitiveness. Economists and policymakers warn that prioritizing manufacturing over other areas of the economy could result in unintended consequences, such as reduced productivity gains and slower economic growth. Moreover, the idea of bringing back jobs lost to globalization often ignores the structural shifts in the economy driven by technology and market demands. These changes have led to a natural shift toward industries with higher value-added activities, rather than low-skilled manufacturing roles. For readers interested in global economics, understanding this debate is crucial, as US trade policies influenced by manufacturing nostalgia can impact international markets and supply chains. The article highlights the importance of balancing industrial policy with broader economic considerations, emphasizing that a diversified economy is better equipped to sustain long-term growth and innovation. Ultimately, the fixation on manufacturing may fail to address the deeper challenges facing the US economy, such as inequality and workforce development, which require more comprehensive strategies.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026