Democrats oppose the ‘chaos’ of Trump’s trade war but support certain tariffs

Democrats often criticize President Donald Trump’s tariffs, calling them harmful. However, they stress that they are not against tariffs in general.

What Democrats really oppose is the “chaos” Trump has caused.

“Tariffs are an important tool in our economic toolbox,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “Trump is creating chaos, and that chaos harms our economy and our families, both now and in the future. … He’s just created a worldwide storm, and that’s not good for anyone.”

Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Democrats agree on one thing: “targeted tariffs can work, but across-the-board tariffs are bad.”

“The right targeting is up for debate, but nobody on our side thinks there should be zero tariffs ever,” Kaine said.

Democrats are trying to show that they are reasonable and focused on effective leadership while considering the worries of financial markets. They aim to appeal to swing voters who want more manufacturing but are concerned about the consequences of Trump’s tariff policies. The challenge is that simple, sharp criticisms spread faster on social media than detailed policy discussions.

The Trump administration sees this approach as hypocritical

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointed out that Representative Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who later became House Speaker, warned in 1996 that trade with China could lead to higher trade deficits and job losses.

“This is about nothing less than our economic future, our national security, and our democratic principles,” Pelosi said before the House voted not to overturn President Bill Clinton’s decision to extend most-favored-nation trade status for China.

The Trump administration believes these remarks show that Democrats secretly support Trump’s tariff actions, despite their public opposition.

“Everyone in Washington, whether they want to admit it or not, knows that this president is right when it comes to tariffs and trade,” Leavitt said. “Nancy Pelosi can thank President Trump today.”

Some Democrats have had difficulty clearly stating their positions.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave a speech in Washington calling for tariffs to be used carefully. But later, she found herself in the Oval Office with Trump, where he signed orders to investigate two of his critics and made vague comments about tariff talks.

Whitmer’s office later said in a statement that she was “surprised” to be part of the event with Trump, and that “her presence is not an endorsement of the actions taken or statements made at that event.”

Trump recently imposed wide-ranging tariffs on China, the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and many other countries.

However, on Wednesday, he paused most of the tariffs for 90 days and applied a basic 10% tax on most nations, a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, and tariffs of up to 25% on Mexico and Canada. There are also tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, with more tariffs planned on specific products.

The tariffs are expected to bring in hundreds of billions of dollars in new revenue each year, but the average U.S. household could lose over $4,000 in disposable income as companies pass on the costs of the tariffs.

Interest rates on U.S. debt are rising because investors are worried about Trump’s policies. Stock markets are down, and consumer sentiment is at its second-lowest level since the University of Michigan began its survey.

Some Democrats are focusing on their constituents, bringing up the struggles from Trump’s past tariff battles.

“Farmers, in particular, who were hit very hard by Trump’s last trade wars, are worried that this could ruin their businesses,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. “These are mostly small, family-run farms. Their costs will rise, and their export markets may close.”

Representative Gwen Moore, D-Wis., said the tariffs would be “disastrous” for both urban and rural communities in her state. But she added that Democrats should still push for better labor and product standards to make U.S. goods more competitive in global markets.

“I know many of our autoworkers were drawn to vote for Trump because they thought he would help them,” Moore said. “But car prices are going to rise because parts come from everywhere. There’s no plan for that.”

But not all Democrats want to soften their response to Trump’s trade policies.

“I’m a little uninterested in what the Democratic response should be like,” said Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii. “Trump is intentionally hurting the American economy, and I think we should just say that and not make it complicated.”