‘Making America expensive again’: Democrats find a tax they don’t like in Trump tariffs

Democrats are sounding the alarm over the new tariffs President Donald Trump is imposing against Mexico, Canada, and China, warning that Americans will ultimately bear the brunt of the costs. The White House announced on Friday that, in response to an alleged “invasion of illegal fentanyl,” it would be imposing a 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Mexico and Canada, a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, and a 10% tariff on all goods from China.

While Trump acknowledged that these tariffs may cause “temporary, short-term disruption,” Democrats argue that American taxpayers will ultimately suffer. The nonpartisan Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates that these tariffs could cost U.S. households around $1,200 annually. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer took aim at Trump, mocking the president’s claims of a “golden age” of economic prosperity.

Schumer criticized Trump’s tariffs, stating that they would result in higher costs for American families. He accused Trump of benefiting his billionaire friends while doing nothing to lower costs for regular families. Schumer also dismissed Trump’s justification of stopping fentanyl as nonsense, suggesting that there are alternative ways to address the issue without raising costs for Americans.

In response to these concerns, Senators Chris Coons and Tim Kaine introduced the Stopping Tariffs on Allies and Bolstering Legislative Exercise of Trade Policy Act. This legislation would increase Congressional oversight before imposing new tariffs, requiring the president to brief Congress on proposals and their impacts on the economy and foreign policy interests.

Coons warned that these tariffs would be the largest tax increase on Americans in a long time, potentially costing them thousands of dollars annually. He cautioned that imposing tariffs on Mexico and Canada could strain relationships with these key allies. Experts have also warned that tariffs could drive up costs for foods like avocados, dairy, and meats, ultimately leading to higher prices for American consumers.

While Trump has defended the tariffs, stating that they are necessary to combat the influx of illegal fentanyl, Democrats and some Republicans have expressed concerns about the economic impact on American families. Trump’s assertion that “there will be some pain” but that it will be worth it in the end has been met with skepticism.

In response to the tariffs, Mexico and Canada have made concessions, with Mexico agreeing to deploy 10,000 troops to the U.S. border and Canada unveiling a $1.3 billion border plan. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced plans to pause tariffs on U.S. imports as negotiations with the U.S. continue.

As the debate over tariffs continues, it remains to be seen how American consumers will be affected and whether the Trump administration’s trade policies will achieve their intended goals.