If we produced components for our jet fighters, missiles and stealth weapons in China, DoD budget can be reduced because we can buy the same amounts of weapons with less money, thus produce a budgetary surplus which can be used to reduce the deficit or reduce taxes. This would also increase the standard of living for many Americans. If we can apply the theory for private industry (dislocate middle class, in return for cheaper consumer goods for others) can't we apply the same principle for government programs and budgets?
Ah yes the good old totally irrelevant national defense strawman. . So I take it you're in favor of tariffs?
The fact remains that proping up some industries with tariffs does far more harm than it does good. Kind of like taxes used for wealth transfer in general. The recipients of the government's stolen largesse are better off, but the many whose pockets were picked to provide it are that much the worse for the experience.