Economics columnist Catherine Rampell recently delivered a sharp rebuke of the Democratic Party for its tepid response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, arguing their hesitancy is undermining their message and failing to capitalize on a significant economic vulnerability.
In a recent analysis, Rampell criticized what she described as Democrats’ “mealymouthed” critique, highlighting a disconnect between expressing concern over the tariffs and simultaneously supporting similar policies under their own banner. She stated, “This has been the awkward, hesitant critique of President Donald Trump’s trade wars from many Democrats this past week… No wonder their message is falling flat.”
Rampell painted a stark picture of the economic consequences of the tariffs, asserting they could increase annual costs for a typical household by $2,700. She further warned that these policies have contributed to “surging recession risks,” prompted worker furloughs, and strained relationships with key international allies.
She argued Democrats should be seizing upon this situation as an opportunity but are instead squandering it. “If this is a curse to the U.S. economy, it should be a windfall for Democratic politicians,” she observed. “Instead, Democrats are blowing their good fortune… Rather than shouting from the rooftops that trade wars are bad, Democrats babble in ‘yes, buts.’”
Rampell pointed out a history of apparent contradiction within the party’s stance on tariffs. “Democrats assailed the first Trump administration’s tariffs in the 2018 midterms and 2020 presidential election—shortly before adopting them as their own.” This inconsistency was exemplified by President Joe Biden’s decision to extend nearly all of Trump’s existing tariffs, despite previously criticizing them.
The columnist specifically criticized figures within the Democratic Party for offering nuanced critiques without presenting viable alternatives. She highlighted Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent remarks, noting that when challenged on how she would implement tariffs differently, Whitmer admitted, “I don’t know how I would have enacted them differently… What I have thought about, though, is, you know, tariffs are, need to be used like a scalpel, not a hammer.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren also received criticism for her focus on the potential for “price gouging” resulting from tariffs, rather than fundamentally opposing the policy itself. Rampell noted that even if Warren’s concern were valid, it should apply equally to the tariffs supported by the Biden administration.
Rampell suggested that some opposition to Trump’s tariffs stems not from principle but from disagreement with their application. She also argued that the party has boxed itself in due to a desire to maintain support from constituencies who benefit from protectionist policies, such as certain unions.
Ultimately, Rampell urged Democrats to abandon cautious rhetoric and embrace a more forceful condemnation of protectionism. “What the country needs is an unequivocal, full-throated condemnation of pandering protectionism,” she concluded.
- Economic Impact: Tariffs could raise annual costs for a typical household by $2,700.
- Recession Risk: The tariffs have contributed to surging recession risks and prompted worker furloughs.
- International Relations: These policies have strained relationships with key allies.
Rampell’s analysis underscored the need for a clearer and more decisive stance from Democrats on trade policy, arguing that their current approach is both ineffective and self-defeating.
