Readers Respond: A split on Buy American

Last week, Trump signed a “Presidential Executive Order on Buy American and Hire American," making it the policy of the executive branch to buy and hire American, as well as direct the heads of all federal agencies to assess compliance with Buy American Laws.

While some lauded the move as a step in the right direction toward defending American workers, others took issue with the departure from free trade principles.

Among our readership, there was no clear consensus whether the move was ultimately helping our hurting our economy.

Only 17% agreed full-heartedly with the proposal, saying that "this order is just what the country needs."

A combined 44% expressed tepid approval, with 3% saying that "it's a good start, but it doesn't go far enough," another 9% saying "we need state and local governments to do the same," and 32% voting for both of the above.

Another 39% disagreed with the move, with 16% surmising that this wouldn't help the economy, and 23% wagering that "this order will actually hurt the economy."

What's your stance? Take the poll here.