1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

President Trump’s reckless tariff policies are hurting working Americans and small businesses across the country. Casey Ames, who runs a small business in Idaho making therapeutic products for children with special needs, was hit with a $346,000 tariff bill due to new duties on Chinese imports. Despite exploring U.S. manufacturing, he found it financially impossible and now faces laying off half his staff (New York Post, April 2025). Kevin Bates, creator of a small electronics product called Arduboy, is considering shutting down completely, warning that Trump’s tariffs will “crash the economy” (The Verge, April 2025). But this impact isn’t limited to China-related imports. U.S. farmers and manufacturers are also being squeezed by retaliatory tariffs from allies like the EU and Canada, shrinking exports and raising input costs. Experts across the political spectrum agree this is a self-inflicted wound. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says Trump’s tariff strategy will raise inflation and hurt consumers, while even conservative-leaning business owners say these policies feel more like punishment than protection (Time, April 2025). These aren’t theoretical concerns—they’re real people losing jobs, closing businesses, and paying more for everyday goods. Trump claims the world is “kissing my a*s,” but the truth is American families are paying the price. I urge you to oppose these tariffs now and fight for trade policies that help—not harm—the American people.