1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I’m urging you to stand with Democrats and the growing number of courageous Republicans who are pushing back against Trump’s reckless and poorly planned tariffs. These tariffs may be politically convenient, but they are economically dangerous. They will raise prices for working Americans, disrupt supply chains, and hurt small businesses that are already struggling with inflation. We need thoughtful policy, not short-term political stunts that damage the economy. Economists across the political spectrum agree that broad tariffs act like a tax on American consumers. A 2019 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that U.S. tariffs implemented during Trump’s previous term cost American households $831 each year (New York Fed, 2019). New tariffs could raise that burden even higher. And they aren’t just theoretical—markets have already started reacting. The Dow dropped more than 400 points the day after Trump’s latest tariff threats (MSNBC, April 2025), and trade experts are warning of long-term harm to U.S. manufacturing and agriculture. Now is the time for elected leaders at both the state and federal level to speak out and act. These economic policies will not affect the wealthy; they will fall hardest on working families and small businesses. Don’t wait for the damage to set in—stand up now for responsible governance and economic stability. The American people, not political extremes, should guide our priorities.