White House: Trump’s tariffs will hurt manufacturing and make prices go up
The White House is expressing concern over congressional Republicans’ support for “MAGAnomics” and former President Donald Trump’s proposed “across-the-board tariffs” plan. According to a memo released by White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, the plan is criticized for potentially raising prices for families and exacerbating inflation.
In the memo addressed to “allies and interested parties,” Bates accused Republicans of aiming to make cuts to Medicare and Social Security, advocating for tax breaks for the wealthy, and endorsing across-the-board tariffs that could lead to increased costs and taxes for hardworking families.
The memo stated, “Yesterday congressional Republicans met to plot a 2025 agenda that involves historic tax increases on the middle class in the form of high tariffs, then gives tax handouts to big corporations that are overcharging Americans despite inflation decreasing.”
During his recent visit to Capitol Hill, Trump met with both Senate and House Republicans. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky mentioned that the former president briefly mentioned the possibility of eliminating income tax and replacing it with tariffs.
Bates also highlighted comments from Rep. Jodey Arrington, the lead House Republican for budget issues, who expressed concerns about unchecked mandatory spending on programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and welfare, considering them a threat to economic security.
Pointing to recent reports, Bates claimed that congressional Republicans are seeking to extend tax benefits for billionaires and multinational corporations, potentially adding $1 trillion to the deficit. President Biden opposes this agenda, aiming to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security while making the rich pay their fair share.
According to Bates, Biden’s plan involves cutting the deficit and cracking down on corporate greed that harms American families, particularly as inflation decreases. Bates criticized Republican officials for opposing Biden’s plan and defending practices like junk fees and price gouging.
Highlighting the differences, Bates emphasized the choice between President Biden’s vision for an economy that benefits the middle class and an economy that prioritizes big corporations over hardworking families at the expense of Medicare and Social Security benefits.
Trump’s campaign manager, Leavitt, claimed that the only candidate posing a threat to Social Security and Medicare is Joe Biden. Leavitt argued that Biden’s policies, including the mass influx of illegal immigrants, could strain these programs to the point of collapse.
Trump’s recent interactions in Washington, including meetings with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have drawn attention. Trump reiterated his commitment to bringing common sense back to the government if elected in November.
