Trump Insists Tariffs Are 'Smart' and Lower Prices?
President Donald Trump again defended his import tariff policy, amid public concerns about the high cost of living. At a rally-style campaign rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Trump acknowledged that he has been "attacked a lot" for his extensive tariffs on imported goods. His opponents have accused tariffs of actually raising prices and fueling inflation, but Trump asserted that he believes the public is "starting to understand" the benefits of the tariffs.
Trump argued that he has used tariffs to provide assistance to farmers and force manufacturers to build factories and data centers in the United States. He said that only "smart people" have understood the logic of tariffs from the beginning, while others are only now beginning to understand. At the same time, his team acknowledged that they need to improve their economic messaging, as voter sentiment regarding the economy remains a weak point for Trump and the Republican Party.
Last month's election results, marked by Republican losses in several key areas, have added to this pressure. The rising cost of living and the high cost of daily necessities have been a prominent topic in opponents' campaigns. In fact, Trump was able to return to power by capitalizing on public disappointment with inflation and weak job growth during the Joe Biden era. Now, he risks facing the same economic headwinds: consumer sentiment remains weak, personal financial assessments are at their lowest since 2009, unemployment is rising, and the ADP report shows the largest number of layoffs since early 2023.
To assuage these concerns, Trump and his allies are trying to steer policy. They are preparing new tariff exemptions for the agricultural sector, increasing aid to farmers, and investigating the meatpacking industry. Trump is also pushing for easing fuel efficiency standards to lower car prices and trying to lower prescription drug costs. However, so far, these efforts have not resonated with voters, while Trump is busy with other agendas such as tightening immigration, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and personal projects like plans to build a new ballroom at the White House.
On the other hand, concerns remain that the threat of new tariffs could actually push prices up again. Republicans are also under scrutiny about the possibility of rising healthcare costs if subsidies under the Affordable Care Act expire at the end of the year. Despite this, Trump continues to attack his political opponents, accusing Democrats and the media of promoting the price issue as a "hoax," and blaming Biden for past inflation spikes. The question is: is the "tariffs are the solution" narrative and attacks on Democrats still strong enough to convince voters, now that Republicans are in control of the government? (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
