Rep. Chu Slams Trump’s Tariff Tax Increases for Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Trump signed an executive order that placed tariffs on every single country in the world, including our closest allies. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee that that has jurisdiction over international trade, released the following statement:

"Days ago, President Trump told Americans that 'he couldn't care less' if his tariffs on cars raised prices for Americans. Today, he is extending the same treatment to millions of products, immediately imposing the largest tax increase in history and raising costs for every single American. His actions will mean higher prices for lifesaving medications, for groceries, for gas at the pump, and for the materials needed to rebuild the homes in my own congressional district after the Eaton Fire.

"These tariffs aren't liberation; they're stupidity and the clearest sign Trump cares more about being a bully than helping Americans.

"Tariffs can be a tool to address unfair trade practices, protect national security, and give American workers a fair playing field. But President Trump's tariffs, implemented with no strategy and no transparency, will move us further away from all three of these goals - all while costing the average family thousands of dollars a year. The President's own economic advisor estimates this plan will raise prices for American families by as much as $6 trillion, with Trump and Congressional Republicans plowing ahead with their plan to give a $4.5 trillion tax giveaway to ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations that don't need it.

"Americans deserve better. Republicans in Congress could join Democrats to pass legislation that would rein in presidential abuse of tariff power, restore authority over trade to the legislative branch, and protect Americans' pocketbooks. Instead of standing up to Trump on behalf of their constituents, however, Republicans continue choosing obedience and submissiveness. They should be held accountable."