Tariffs were how we funded government so the idea is not outlandish.
Yep, when we had one hell of a lot less of it.
Eliminate half of the current Federal Departments, cut the others by half or more, and you are approaching (but still far from) the level of government we had when tariffs paid the way.
Drop every department and ongoing obligation since the 16th Amendment was passed. No 'welfare' No social Security, No EPA, No Department of Education....it's a long list, and the DC Metro Area economy would implode (the one consistent growth region during the last decade).