Not the tariff road again

Trump’s ill-considered tariffs are hurting consumers already and will make life more difficult for American farmers. Higher costs on imported goods and spiraling retaliatory tariffs from our trading partners are not going to bring down prices of groceries and other goods for the American people. For that matter, neither will driving away a large portion of the ag labor force.

The last Trump administration doled out billions to farmers to insulate them from the ruinous effects of tariffs on ag markets. Those gushing federal dollars, along with other relief payments associated with the COVID pandemic, which Trump made far worse with his attack on sensible public health measures, helped drive inflation over the last few years. (Between trade relief and pandemic aid, Trump dished out $68 billion to agriculture in 2019 and 2020, according to a March 5 Associated Press report).)

Don't send us down this road again, Sens. Grassley and Ernst and Reps. Miller-Meeks and Hinson. Stand up for sensible trade and support the strong public health system this country has had for decades instead of backing people who are tearing it down.

Emery Stryon

Iowa City