Even Adam Smith advocated for protectionist policies – the “invisible hand” in industry

Here is the quote from The Wealth of Nations that illustrates Adam Smith’s view on domestic vs. foreign industries:

By preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, he intends only his own security; and by directing that industry in such a manner as its produce may be of the greatest value, he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was not part of it. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good. It is an affectation, indeed, not very common among merchants, and very few words need be employed in dissuading them from it.

So when businessmen look out for their own interests while preferring the support of domestic to that of foreign industry, everyone in that country benefits. Right-wingers seem to ignore the “preferring domestic industries” part because it doesn’t fit their narrative.