Larson Statement on Trump Tariffs Taking Effect

East Hartford, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement after President Trump’s tariffs took effect. According to the Yale Budget Lab, his tariffs will cost the average household $2,400 per year. 

“Prices are rising because of Trump’s reckless tariffs, which are estimated to cost the average household thousands of dollars a year. They are a tax on you,” said Larson. “Too many families are already struggling to make ends meet. Instead of working to lower costs as promised, the President is raising costs on everyday goods, including groceries, pharmaceuticals, and household essentials like toothpaste and laundry detergent. Democrats have put forward a number of plans in Congress to protect consumers, and Republicans have stood in the way every time – even changing House rules so we could not bring our bills to a vote. No president should have the power to raise costs on middle-class families like this, especially as he hands out massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Americans are facing a cost-of-living crisis. They are counting on their representatives to help make life more affordable – not raise costs with the stroke of a pen. Democrats will continue to stand up in Congress and the courts to this abuse of power hitting your wallet.” 

Rep. Larson and his colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee introduced the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act to block Presidents from imposing cost-raising tariffs. He also introduced a bill with Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38) to suspend the President’s tariffs and require Congress to vote before new tariffs can go into effect. Last week, Procter & Gamble — the maker of Dawn dish soap, Charmin toilet paper, Crest toothpaste and Tide detergent — announced they would be raising prices on their products due to the Trump tariffs.