WASHINGTON, D.C.—As President Trump reportedly prepares to enact blanket tariffs that will impact trade globally and plunge the economy into chaos, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement: 

“It is obvious that Trump ‘couldn’t care less’ about the American people feeling the pain of his reckless tariffs. President Trump needs to get real: this half-baked trade war will only raise prices for consumers. Trump’s so-called ‘liberation day’ will throw the global economy into turmoil and leave Americans holding the bag,” said Senator Peter Welch. “I can support tariffs that demand accountability from bad actors like China, but it must be done in a multilateral, smart way. We should not impose sweeping tariffs on our allies and longtime partners in trade. America’s close economic ties with our trading partners are based on trust. These on-again, off-again tariffs are extremely destructive and totally unnecessary. President Trump is sticking it to our farmers, our businesses, and everyday working people.” 

More than 18,600 Vermonters work in industries targeted by retaliatory tariffs, and thousands more will see higher costs for food, fuel, and energy. A new poll from AP-NORC found that a majority of voters—60% disapprove—of the president’s handling of trade negotiations, and 58% disapprove of his handling of the economy. 

Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. In March, Senator Welch hosted a roundtable in Newport with Vermont and Canadian business leaders to discuss President Trump’s Trade War. He has also held events in St. Albans and virtually to hear directly from impacted Vermonters.  

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