Sen. Mitch McConnell criticized President Donald Trump's tariff policies, warning in an op-ed that protectionist trade measures could harm Kentucky's economy and burden American consumers.
So far during Trump's second term, the president has implemented tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. During his first term, similar tariffs triggered retaliatory measures that raised costs for businesses and consumers. Kentucky, a major exporter of bourbon, agricultural goods, and auto parts, was particularly affected.
In his op-ed published in a Kentucky newspaper, the Courier Journal, Wednesday, McConnell argued that tariffs function as taxes on trade, making goods more expensive and destabilizing economic partnerships.
"Caught in the crosshairs, Americans learned the hard way that trade wars are expensive, and today, we ought to be careful deciding with whom to pick them," McConnell wrote for the paper.
The senator pointed out that Kentucky's 75,000 farms and 100,000 jobs tied to international business could suffer under renewed tariffs. Estimates suggest Trump's tariff policies could cost the average Kentuckian $1,200 per year.
"When we engage with our allies and partners, we unlock new sources of economic strength — lower prices, more choices for consumers, and greater innovation. And we ought to remind ourselves that trade is a two-way street," he wrote.
Trump's tariffs on Canada were paused earlier this month after the president previously announced 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods. The pause is said to last 30 days while the countries hope to find an agreement on increased border security.
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