Promising to restore American manufacturing jobs has been a popular theme since the 1990s. Donald Trump and Joe Biden both centered their campaigns on reviving this sector. In 2024, Trump reiterated that “jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country.” However, these promises have not worked politically or economically. Studies show that losing manufacturing jobs did not broadly push voters to Trump in 2016. Even counties benefiting from Biden’s manufacturing incentives voted for Trump in 2024. Manufacturing today accounts for less than 8% of US jobs. It no longer holds the key economic role it once had. Trump’s use of tariffs backfired by raising costs for American factories that rely on imported parts. Over 91% of manufacturers use imported components. High steel prices and tariffs hurt their competitiveness. Biden’s efforts—through laws like the Inflation Reduction Act and Chips Act—also raised costs by increasing wages, materials, and interest rates. Manufacturing output remains at levels seen 20 years ago, with no job growth. Infrastructure spending partly failed too. While factory construction rose, industrial equipment investment did not. Maintenance of other infrastructure like bridges declined despite federal funding. The decline reflects wider economic changes. The US economy shifted from making goods to providing services such as finance and healthcare. From 2002 to 2022, manufacturing firms fell by 21%, even as overall companies grew 10%. Only the beverages and tobacco sector grew significantly. Manufacturing productivity growth stalled 15 years ago, while the rest of the economy improved. There is a valid reason to support key industries like semiconductors and clean energy for national security. But broad campaigns to restore manufacturing's past glory are shaped more by nostalgia than economics. Manufacturing workers do earn more than many service workers, but this calls for better wages in service sectors—not protectionist policies harming consumers. The dream of bringing back factories with hard hats and grease-stained overalls is neither practical nor effective.