Thursday, April 3, 2025

Pasadena Congresswoman Denounces Trump’s Global Tariff Expansion

Rep. Judy Chu via Facebook

Warns new policy will raise costs for American families

Rep. Judy Chu criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday for signing an executive order immediately imposing tariffs on every single country in the world, including America’s closest allies, calling it “the largest tax increase in history” that will raise costs for American consumers.

The California Democrat, who represents Pasadena and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee overseeing international trade, said the tariffs will increase prices on medications, groceries, gasoline and construction materials needed for rebuilding after the Eaton Fire in her district.

“These tariffs aren’t liberation; they’re stupidity and the clearest sign Trump cares more about being a bully than helping Americans,” Chu said in a statement.

The Congresswoman referenced Trump’s recent comment that he “couldn’t care less” if his tariffs on cars raised prices for Americans, noting that today he is “extending the same treatment to millions of products.”

Chu said the President’s own economic advisor estimates the plan will raise prices for American families by up to $6 trillion, while Trump and Congressional Republicans advance a separate $4.5 trillion tax reduction for “ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations that don’t need it.”

Chu argued that while tariffs can be legitimate tools for addressing unfair trade practices, protecting national security, and giving American workers a fair playing field, Trump’s approach “implemented with no strategy and no transparency” will move the country “further away from all three of these goals.”

She called on Congressional Republicans to join Democrats in passing legislation to limit presidential tariff power, restore authority over trade to the legislative branch, and protect Americans’ pocketbooks. However, Chu added that “instead of standing up to Trump on behalf of their constituents, Republicans continue choosing obedience and submissiveness. They should be held accountable.”

The order, signed Wednesday, April 2, 2025, applies tariffs to all countries worldwide.