One Year Later, Jon Husted Is Still Backing Reckless Tariffs That Are Crushing Ohio Families

One Year Later, Jon Husted Is Still Backing Reckless Tariffs That Are Crushing Ohio Families

April 2, 2026

COLUMBUS, OHIO - It has officially been one year since the introduction of reckless tariffs crushing Ohio farmers, small businesses, and families. Instead of standing up for Ohioans, Jon Husted has voted three separate times to block efforts to rein in the tariffs that are driving up costs and closing off markets.

Over the last year, the Husted-backed tariffs have wreaked havoc on Ohio farmers, shutting down key markets and sending input costs soaring. In 2025 alone, Ohio farmers saw a massive 74% loss in sales to China, while farm bankruptcies rose 46% nationwide. But despite the damage, Jon Husted continues to double down, arguing that critics "are wrong" about the tariffs, they "haven't affected the economy negatively," and "the policies are working."

Ohio Democratic Party Senior Communications Advisor Tony Wen released the following statement:

"One year later, Jon Husted is still backing the reckless tariffs that are driving up costs and crushing Ohio farmers and small businesses. Now, working families and Ohio farmers are grappling with soaring gas and diesel prices, and they know they won't get any support from Jon Husted, who thinks they don't know how to navigate the 'real world.' Ohioans deserve better."

Jon Husted's tariffs are driving up costs for Ohio families, farmers, and small businesses:

• Jon Husted voted three separate times this year to block efforts reining in the reckless tariffs driving up costs and closing off markets.

• Husted dismissed the pain that Ohioans are feeling due to the tariffs, saying "you don't hear from the ones that love it."

• Husted has backed the war in Iran, helping drive gas prices to nearly $4 a gallon and diesel prices even higher, adding more strain on Ohio farmers and families.

• Husted has doubled down on his support for the reckless tariffs that are raising costs, saying that critics "are wrong," they "haven't affected the economy negatively," and "the policies are working."

• When asked if tariffs will be beneficial for Ohioans, Husted said he was "optimistic [they] will be."

• The Husted-backed tariffs are crushing Ohio family farms, threatening many with "risk of foreclosure and forced auction."

• Because of the Husted-backed tariffs sending costs soaring, some small businesses in Northeast Ohio may need to close.

• Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs said that farmers are taking major losses because of the Husted-backed tariffs - and it is putting them in a "hell of a mess."

• The Husted-backed tariffs are costing a Grove City manufacturer millions of dollars in business, potentially threatening hundreds of jobs. When the company reached out to Jon Husted, his only response was that he "passed along" the concern to the administration.

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