Davids Statement on Trump’s Reckless Tariffs that Will Raise Prices
Today, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s newly enacted tariffs, which impact a range of industries and foreign markets:
“I agree that America must stay competitive globally, but Kansans are already feeling the squeeze — and now they’ll have to foot the bill for President Trump’s reckless tariffs. His trade policies are driving up grocery costs, forcing Kansas businesses to close, and cutting off markets for our farmers. Instead of supporting hardworking folks, he continues to push policies — including cuts to Social Security and Medicare — that benefit big corporations and his billionaire friends. That’s unacceptable. I’m focused on pursuing smart trade agreements that strengthen American industries without putting jobs and small businesses at risk.”
Background:
Today, President Donald Trump announced tariffs of at least 10 percent on practically all goods coming into the United States, plus higher rates on certain countries. Experts say President Trump’s tariff policy could raise prices for an array of products ranging from groceries to gas, the latter rising by as much as 70 cents per gallon. Overall, it’s estimated these tariffs could cost families between $2,000 and $3,400 per year and impact seven percent of Kansas’ workforce. The right-leaning Tax Foundation found previous tariffs enacted during President Trump’s first term were paid for by U.S. consumers and businesses.
Davids previously wrote an essay in Newsweek criticizing President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, arguing that they will hurt hardworking Kansans and favor corporations. She reinforced these concerns during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing, where she highlighted the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers could face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland.
Beyond tariffs, Davids has been pushing back against the President’s harmful policies — fighting against the firing of federal workers, cuts to Social Security and Medicaid, rising egg prices, the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, and rollbacks to tax credits that help Kansans lower their utility bills. At the same time, she has worked across the aisle to get things done. Partnering with her Republican colleagues, Davids is helping to cut wasteful spending in federal programs, modernize USPS delivery in Olathe, and lower child care costs. She has also already passed two bipartisan bills to support small businesses — a rare achievement for a Democrat in Washington right now.