1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express concern over former President Donald Trump’s recent comments defending his proposed tariffs, in which he stated: “I don’t think a beautiful baby girl that’s 11 years old needs to have 30 dolls — they can have three or four.” This statement, while seemingly trivial on its surface, reveals a deeper disregard for the economic realities facing American families. Tariffs are not absorbed by foreign governments—they are paid by consumers here at home. They function as a hidden tax that disproportionately impacts working families, driving up the costs of everyday goods, from clothing to toys to household necessities. Beyond the economics, this comment reflects a patronizing attitude toward American parents and children. It suggests that government leaders—not families—should decide what children are allowed to enjoy or what parents can provide for them. That’s not just dismissive—it’s deeply un-American. We should be striving to make life more affordable and joyful for our children, not justifying economic harm by implying they should settle for less. The ability to buy a doll—or any other product—isn’t about excess; it’s about choice, opportunity, and dignity. I urge you to oppose any future tariff proposals that will burden American families. And I ask you to speak out against rhetoric that minimizes the real consequences these policies have on everyday people. Leadership means standing up for the well-being and freedom of your constituents, not accepting policies or language that treat their lives as collateral damage. Thank you for your service and attention.