Schumer rips tariffs alongside NY Trump voter fed up with price hikes

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., made headlines as he stood alongside a business owner and supporter of President Donald Trump who is speaking out against the president’s tariff agenda. The press conference, held on Long Island, featured Schumer and Tandy Jeckel, the owner of TandyWear, a women’s clothing shop in Suffolk County.

Schumer expressed his concerns about the impact of tariffs, stating, “No matter what your vantage, if you’re a business, if you are a consumer, if you are in the industry, the tariffs are one giant mess.” Jeckel, a split-ticket voter who has supported both Trump and Schumer in the past, shared her perspective on the issue. She praised Schumer for his work on behalf of Long Islanders, particularly after Superstorm Sandy.

When asked to grade Trump’s performance, Jeckel gave him an 8 out of 10, noting that her only issue with his presidency is the tariffs. She explained that the uncertainty caused by tariffs has made both business owners and customers hesitant, leading to a decrease in sales for her small business.

Schumer announced his plans to force a vote to end what he referred to as Trump’s trade war, urging the House of Representatives to take similar action. He highlighted the potential job losses in Nassau and Suffolk counties, emphasizing the need to address the negative impact of tariffs on local economies.

The event was seen as an opportunity for Schumer to connect with Long Island voters who support Trump but oppose his tariff policies. Schumer’s bill to end tariffs was co-sponsored by several Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine.

In response to Schumer’s efforts, the White House criticized the senator for not acknowledging the administration’s actions to address unfair trade practices by other countries. A spokesperson for the White House accused Democrats of playing political games instead of working with the administration.

Overall, the press conference shed light on the divisive issue of tariffs and their impact on businesses and consumers. Schumer and Jeckel’s collaboration highlighted the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing economic challenges. As the debate over tariffs continues, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will navigate the complex trade landscape to support American businesses and workers.