President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs introduced a 10% baseline on all imports, with higher rates for countries with trade deficits, sparking significant opposition from Democratic governors who are working to shield their states from the economic fallout.
While the Trump administration argues that these tariffs will ultimately bolster the U.S. economy and safeguard American workers, the tariffs have had a noticeable impact on global markets, drawing criticism from Democratic governors across the nation.
Governors including Gavin Newsom, J.B. Pritzker, Josh Shapiro, Jared Polis, Tim Walz, and Kathy Hochul have been vocal in their opposition to Trump’s tariff policy, with some seeking to mitigate the effects on their local economies.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai responded to the backlash, stating, “Democrats should focus on out-of-control homelessness, crime, regulations, and unaffordability in blue states instead of trying their hand at international dealmaking.”
Newsom, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, announced plans to form “strategic” international partnerships to exclude California from retaliatory tariffs imposed on the U.S. by countries affected by the new tariff rules. “I’m pursuing trading relationships with our global partners to combat the pain of Trump’s tariffs and exclude California-made products from retaliation,” Newsom said in an online post. “As the world’s 5th largest economy, California remains open for business, no matter the turbulence in Washington.”
However, the U.S. Constitution grants trade policy as a federal power, meaning states do not have the legal authority to independently negotiate trade agreements or manage tariffs.
Pritzker, another potential 2028 contender who has opposed Trump’s second-term agenda, led a delegation of Illinois lawmakers to Mexico last week, where he signed an agreement to strengthen economic ties with Mexico City. While securing this economic partnership, Pritzker criticized Trump’s tariffs as a “tax” on Americans. “Donald Trump may want to call this ‘Liberation Day,’ but there is nothing liberating for working families who are grappling with the high costs of food, housing, and utilities,” Pritzker stated. “Tariffs are a tax. They are a tax on working families, a tax on groceries, and a tax on other everyday necessities.”
Shapiro, a Democratic leader and former vice presidential contender, also labeled the new tariffs as a “tax,” emphasizing their negative impact on Pennsylvania families. “The reality is Donald Trump’s economic policies are making things harder for the good people of Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said in an interview.
Other Democratic governors have also joined the chorus of criticism. Tim Walz, former vice-presidential candidate, took aim at Trump’s understanding of trade, stating in an interview, “This is a tax on working people.” Kathy Hochul, who has clashed with the Trump administration on issues like abortion and immigration, described the tariffs as “the largest tax increase in American history” and argued that they are hurting people across the country rather than delivering the promised benefits.
Despite the market volatility and uncertainty triggered by the tariffs, Trump has continued to defend his policy. On social media, he declared, “Don’t be weak! Don’t be stupid! Be strong, courageous, and patient, and greatness will result!”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis also criticized the tariffs, calling them “one of the biggest tax hikes in American history” and labeling the day as “Recession Day,” rather than “Liberation Day.”
Trump remains steadfast in his belief that, despite the current turmoil, tariffs will ultimately prove beneficial for the U.S. economy.
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