Sen. Fetterman Supports Trump's Tariff Strategy Amid GOP-Dem Divide
Democrats split on impact of administration's trade policies
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has expressed support for President Trump's tariff policies, stating that the trade war is "going well" despite earlier Democratic predictions of economic harm. Fetterman specifically noted that the European Union negotiations have yielded positive results, while acknowledging that outcomes with China remain to be seen. His comments come as the administration continues to implement and adjust its tariff strategy.
The Trump administration recently increased tariffs on Canada from 25% to 35%, citing concerns about illicit drug imports including fentanyl. Additionally, President Trump signed an executive order modifying reciprocal tariff rates for certain countries to address trade deficits. These actions follow the implementation of a baseline 10% tariff on all countries earlier this year, with higher rates for nations with which the U.S. has significant trade imbalances.
KEY POINTS
- •Fetterman backs Trump tariff strategy
- •Canada tariffs increased to 35%
- •Democrats divided on trade approach
The administration has secured several trade agreements since implementing the tariff strategy. The European Union agreed to purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and invest $600 billion by 2028 while accepting a 15% tariff rate. Similarly, Japan committed to $550 billion in U.S. investments and agreed to expand its market for American exports under a 15% tariff arrangement. These deals have been presented as evidence of the strategy's effectiveness.
Many Democratic lawmakers remain critical of the tariff approach. Senators Jack Reed, Chris Van Hollen, and Elizabeth Warren have expressed concerns about potential price increases for consumers and disruptions to American industries. Senator Warren specifically claimed that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delayed interest rate reductions due to trade policy uncertainty, resulting in higher borrowing costs for Americans.
Republican senators have voiced strong support for the administration's trade policies. Senator Ted Cruz characterized the tariff strategy as "exactly the right approach" and dismissed Democratic criticisms as partisan. Senator John Kennedy, while supportive of recent trade deals, expressed hope that negotiations would eventually lead to reciprocal zero-percent tariffs between the U.S. and its trading partners, allowing market competition to determine outcomes.