NORTH BAY, CA — U.S. Representative Mike Thompson, D-Napa, sharply criticized former President Donald Trump on Wednesday following the announcement of sweeping new tariffs on imports, warning that the move would spark a trade war and raise prices for American consumers.
Trump’s decision imposes a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imported goods, with even higher rates targeting nations with trade surpluses against the United States. The tariffs, which function as taxes collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when goods cross the border, are intended to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. According to Trump, overdependence on overseas producers has compromised national economic security.
In a statement, Trump cited recent global events—including supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and Houthi rebel attacks on cargo ships in the Middle East—as evidence of America’s vulnerability. “The American supply chain must be protected from geopolitical threats and economic coercion,” he said.
But Thompson, who represents California’s 4th Congressional District, encompassing parts of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties, denounced the move as reckless and damaging to everyday Americans.
“The American people will pay the price for the President’s trade war,” Thompson said. “These tariffs will raise prices on groceries, electronics, cars, homes—just about every good we rely on.”
Thompson argued that the tariffs will not only increase consumer costs but also lead to job losses, reduced retirement savings, and higher medical expenses. He pointed to past trade wars during Trump’s presidency that disrupted markets and placed strain on American farmers, manufacturers, and working families.
The congressman also referenced Trump’s previous comments on tariffs, accusing the former president of being indifferent to their impact. “President Trump has gone on the record to make his stance clear, stating he ‘couldn’t care less’ if his tariffs raise prices on American families,” Thompson said.
Calling the U.S. economy “the envy of the world,” Thompson warned that Trump’s trade policies threaten to reverse hard-won progress in economic recovery and stability.
“In a sweeping move, President Trump is undoing our progress,” he said.
Thompson ended his statement with a call to action, urging Congressional Republicans to join Democrats in opposing what he described as an economically dangerous move.
“Congress must stand together to protect the American people from policies that would tank our economy.”
As the debate over trade and economic nationalism continues, the fallout from the newly announced tariffs is likely to dominate discussion on Capitol Hill in the weeks ahead—especially as the 2024 presidential election cycle intensifies.