The Trump tariffs are stupid!
They are essentially a tax on consumers. Estimates are that the average family would spend $4,000 more a year on goods because of the tariffs.
The policy hasn’t been consistent and stable, making it hard for businesses to make purchasing decisions.
The tariffs punish and antagonize our allies and help our enemy, Russia.
The tariffs were calculated from an incorrect formula – based on trade deficits, not current tariffs. Of course, we are going to have trade deficits with poorer countries – we are wealthier and can buy more goods than poorer countries.
The tariffs were not carefully planned – Trump even put tariffs on islands that have no people just penguins!
The tariffs invite corruption. Trump says he is open for negotiation, which means he is open to bribery from businesses wanting waivers and countries wanting to decrease their tariffs.
Targeted tariffs with a clear purpose have a place in foreign policy. For instance, if you want to increase specific manufacturing in the U.S., there are steps to take to make sure you have the infrastructure to start that kind of business here.
Blanket tariffs, without a clear purpose, tax our citizens without any benefit to American businesses.
The bond market reacted to the tariffs by rates going up. This means that the US Treasury bonds, which were thought to be the safest place to keep money, are no longer thought to be safe.
Countries were selling U.S treasury bonds. The soundness of the dollar was threatened.
Trump cares more about the power he gets by doing this, than the cost to most Americans.
Our economy should be based on what gives prosperity to everyday Americans. The money for the food we eat, and the clothes and electronics we buy should not be gambled away in some high stakes poker game that Trump is playing with other countries.
Let your senator or congressperson know what you think about the tariffs:
Rep. Troy Balderson
614-523-2555
Sen. Jon Husted
202-224-3353
Sen. Bernie Moreno
216-522-7272
Patricia Keane
Mount Vernon, Ohio