Trump’s use of tariffs, particularly his America First economic policies, can be likened to an old English king using taxation and land control to consolidate power and wealth.
In medieval England, kings (or their enforcers like the Sheriff of Nottingham) would impose taxes, seize land, or demand tributes from nobles and peasants. These funds would be used to strengthen the crown’s position, fund wars, or reward loyal allies. Similarly, Trump’s tariffs act as a kind of economic toll, where foreign goods entering the U.S. are taxed, theoretically making domestic goods more competitive. But like the old feudal tax system, the burden often falls on the people—in this case, American consumers and businesses that end up paying higher prices.