There is no need for tariffs in strengthen U.S. industries for national defense
Most Americans are unaware that a Republican controlled congress and a Republican President installed bidding requirements into defense spending. By law, all companies, regardless of their origin or national connections, shall be considered and given the bid, if they are the lowest bidder.
Link;
https://www.governmentcontractslawblog.com/2009/12/articles/bid-protest/gao-sides-with-foreign-military-sales-program-contractors-in-dispute-over-protest-costs/
All that has to happen is to require ALL bidders for defense contractors to be American and American based. This will naturally, have to be ramped up gradually and waivers will be have to granted in case of national emergency.
If need be, we can nationalize our steel, aluminum or other precious metal companies if the nation security is so threatened as Trump has implied by his latest tariff declaration.
Buy American should start at home and this plan can not be criticized by our allies. After all, every country's military can be built at home.
Link to 2015 article on the subject:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-defense-global-dependence-072915-20150728-story.html