Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized President-elect Trump’s tariff threats in an interview Tuesday, after Trump said he would impose a steep import tax on Mexico, Canada and China on the first day of his new administration.
“I think that the president-elect has failed to really face the practical consequences,” Blumenthal told anchor Kate Bolduan on “CNN News Central.”
“I think he’s heading toward a real horror show where the consequences can’t be squared with the promises he made,” he added. “For example, slashing government spending at the same time as preserving Medicare and Medicaid.”
On Monday, Trump said he would issue an executive order imposing the fresh tariffs, after campaigning on a platform of protectionist “America First” policies.
The president-elect said in posts on Truth Social that he would enact 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, while adding an extra 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods. The aim of the tariffs, according to Trump, is to press the countries to increase their efforts on border security and combating fentanyl exports to the U.S.
“Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!” Trump said on Truth Social.
Blumenthal said Tuesday that “when the practical consequences are known to consumers and when they see higher prices of goods, knowing how they feel about inflation,” he believes that “the reaction is going to be hugely negative and I think [Trump’s] gonna have to live with those consequences and be held accountable.”
Blumenthal’s fellow Senate Democrat, Sen. Brian Schatz (Hawaii), told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday that he is worried Trump’s tariff plan would cause Americans to face higher prices for goods.
“Donald Trump has very few policy views over the last 20-30 years. This is the one that he seems to be most enthusiastic about,” Schatz said. “This is, for him, a high principle. So I don’t think there’s any reason to think that he won’t go through with it. Also, the law is pretty clear. He has that authority.”
The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.
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