Economic Nationalism Vindicated? The Return of U.S. Industry

Industrial Surge Signals Economic Revival—But Will Washington Seize the Moment?

America's industrial heartland is stirring once again. In February 2025, U.S. industrial production surged past expectations, signaling not just economic growth but a potential revival of the manufacturing base that built this nation. Industrial output jumped 0.7%, far exceeding the projected 0.2%. Manufacturing, the bedrock of any serious economy, rose 0.9%, dwarfing the expected 0.3% increase. And in a remarkable comeback, the automotive sector—long battered by globalist trade deals and foreign competition—roared back with an 8.5% spike after a year of decline.

These numbers recall an earlier America, when industry was the backbone of prosperity. After World War II, our factories powered a booming economy that lifted millions into the middle class. In the 1990s, a manufacturing resurgence coincided with technological advancements that fueled a decade of economic strength. Now, as the Federal Reserve confirms this unexpected industrial revival, economic forecasters are scrambling to adjust. The Philadelphia Fed now projects GDP growth of 2.5% for the first quarter of 2025, up from an earlier estimate of 1.9%. Even White House economic advisers predict solid expansion in the months ahead.

But let’s not be naïve. The same voices who once championed NAFTA, China’s entry into the WTO, and unchecked globalization are now warning of inflation and economic slowdown. The financial elite and their mouthpieces in the press point to President Trump’s tariffs and economic protectionism as causes for concern. Yet history tells us otherwise. When this country protected its industries, American workers prospered. When Washington abandoned them in favor of cheap imports and foreign entanglements, our industrial base withered.

Make no mistake—this industrial resurgence is a test of America’s will. Will we seize this moment and rebuild an economy rooted in production, self-reliance, and national strength? Or will we listen to the same so-called experts who have led us down the road of decline? The choice is ours.