3 weeks ago
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) says she feels for Americans whose expenses might skyrocket as a direct result of President Donald Trump’s international tariffs, even if they’re Republicans who voted with the false impression that certain goods would get cheaper.
The firebrand Democrat appeared Wednesday on MSNBC’s “The Weeknight,” where the subject of Trump’s increased steel and aluminum levies were front and center. Crockett argued that the economic ramifications of these policies “should not be partisan” issues.
“This is about right versus wrong, and it’s about harm versus help,” she said Wednesday. “And so, basically, what I’m trying to let people know is, listen — the Democrats, you give us a little something, and we will do our part to hopefully at least stop the harm.”
“But right now, people are being harmed no matter who you voted for, and no matter how you affiliate yourself,” Crockett continued, adding: “MAGA [voter] or not, you are still being impacted, detrimentally, by this administration and their policies.”
Trump imposed a sweeping 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. imports earlier this year, with levies on numerous countries set even higher. He deepened the controversial trade war last week by threatening to increase steel and aluminum import tariffs from 25% to 50%.
Trump’s initial announcement in early April, on what he dubbed “Liberation Day,” sent markets into upheaval and sparked fears of a global recession. The president previously defended the aggressive approach as a just crusade to revive U.S manufacturing.
Wednesday’s discussion was prompted by a Marketplace article from reporter Samantha Fields, who noted these tariffs will raise “all sorts” of grocery prices, as nearly 70% of the tinplate steel manufacturers use for cans of fruit, vegetables and other foods are imported.
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Crockett echoed several economists in warning such tariffs could hurt the economy. The discussion inevitably touched on related issues such as housing, as an increased price of steel could directly result in higher construction costs for private homes and businesses.
The outspoken Democrat tried to explain to frustrated viewers that, as a result, her party “can’t just come up with one piece of legislation” to solve these complicated issues now — while also acknowledging the economic unease on both sides of the aisle.
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“We’re talking about condos, we’re talking about homes … and it’s like, now the steel is more expensive. So do you think your house is going to get cheaper anytime soon?” Crockett said Wednesday. “Not really.”
“I will tell you that compassion is something that we are missing in Congress,” she added.
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