Sánchez: President Trump’s chaotic trade saga continues

WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs to up 41 percent on goods imported to the United States from more than 67 countries: 

“President Trump’s chaotic trade saga continues with our trading partners now facing tariff rates up to 41 percent set to go into effect next week unless countries meet his erratic demands.

“This continues the pattern of extortion and corruption we've seen from this administration. The president threatens high tariffs unless countries give into his ultimatums – often on issues unrelated to trade, like punishing Canada for recognizing Palestine. Or ones that personally benefit him and the special interests in his administration, like when tariffs on Vietnam were lowered after they approved the Trump Organization’s resort project or lowering tariffs on Pakistani imports in exchange for an undisclosed oil company being allowed to drill in Pakistan.

“Meanwhile, it’s American workers and families who are left paying the price for this chaos as prices rise, the economy falters and job losses have reached their highest levels since the pandemic. It’s time to end this madness. Congress must reclaim our constitutional authority over trade and end President Trump’s ongoing abuse of tariffs.”

Background

Ranking Member Sánchez introduced the Stopping a Rogue President on Trade Act, a bill that would turn off most of President Trump’s tariffs and require congressional approval for any new tariffs imposed by the president. The bill has the support of all Ways and Means Democrats.

###