Davids Pushes Back on Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Costs During Holidays
Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a virtual press conference on her efforts to push back on reckless tariffs that are raising prices for hardworking families during the holidays. She was joined by Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director of the Kansas Farmers Union, and Debbie Collins, retired Olathe resident, who both discussed how the administration’s trade policies are putting extra strain on Kansas families and farmers.
“This holiday season, hardworking Kansas families are feeling the pinch from these reckless tariffs,” said Davids. “From groceries to gifts, rising prices are making it harder for families to make ends meet and for small businesses to stay afloat. We need trade policies that protect consumers, support our farmers, and keep our economy strong — not ones that put everyday Americans in the middle of a financial squeeze.”
WATCH: Davids and Kansans speak on reckless tariffs increasing prices
Kansas families are already feeling the pinch. The Budget Lab at Yale University estimates the average American household will pay $2,400 more this year because of tariffs, with clothing and textiles seeing the biggest spikes. Contrary to claims that tariffs will strengthen the economy, experts warn they will instead lead to higher inflation and slower job growth.
The Trump Administration’s reckless tariffs are driving up prices for everyday Americans, making life more expensive this holiday season. According to Harvard Business School data, tariffs added roughly 0.7 percentage points to inflation in 2025, raising the cost of both imported and domestic goods. Popular holiday items are also more expensive, including:
- Clothing accessories: +15 percent
- Jewelry: +8 percent
- Household tools: +6.2 percent
- Appliances: +5.6 percent
- Meat: +6.2 percent
- Fruit: +5.5 percent
- Coffee and tea: +9.2 percent
- Household supplies like toilet paper: +4.7 percent
Many retailers — including Walmart, Dollar General, and major food producers — have announced or implemented price hikes to cover tariff costs, a burden that will continue into 2026 if these policies remain in place. American families are footing the bill for the administration’s reckless trade policies.
“I did everything I was supposed to do to plan for a sustainable retirement… but over the past several months, I’ve watched the cost of everyday items continue to rise,” said Debbie Collins, retired Olathe resident. “Because prices are higher, I’ve had to change how I shop. I go to discount stores more often, buy more discount brands of food, stock up on items when they’re on sale, and sometimes just pass on things altogether. Even with these adjustments, my grocery bill is higher than it was before… even when you have two perfect grandchildren who deserve everything. I want to thank Representative Davids for standing up for families like mine and working to push back on policies that are making life more expensive.”
“Kansas famers don’t want bailout or short-term aid. We want fair, stable trade that lets us sell what we grow and raise at a good price,” said Nick Levendofsky, Executive Director, Kansas Farmers Union. “Reckless tariffs disrupt expect markers, invite retaliation, and make it harder for Kansas farmers to compete, especially when other countries respond by shutting out US products... When farmers face higher costs and fewer markets, those pressers don’t stop at the farm gate. They move through the supply chain. That’s how tariffs end up raising prices for groceries and everyday items that Kansas families rely on… I want to thank Representative Sharice Davids again for standing up for Kansas farmers and families.”
These reckless tariffs also threaten key industries in Kansas, including agriculture and manufacturing, by increasing the cost of imported equipment and materials and by inviting retaliatory tariffs on exports. This reckless approach to trade policy underscores the need for thoughtful, bipartisan solutions that promote fair trade without harming American consumers and businesses.
Davids has consistently supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer who are being hit hard by these unstable policies.