1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Imposing massive tariffs on imports is a misguided and harmful economic policy that will inflict severe damage on the U.S. economy. The proposed tariffs of up to 45% on imports from China and other nations will trigger immediate retaliation, disrupting global supply chains that American businesses rely on. This will drive up costs for manufacturers and consumers alike, eroding the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the global marketplace. Furthermore, tariffs are a regressive form of taxation that disproportionately burdens lower and middle-income Americans with higher prices on everyday goods. History has shown that protectionist trade policies lead to disastrous economic consequences. The misguided Smoot-Hawley tariffs imposed during the Great Depression exacerbated the economic downturn by provoking retaliation from U.S. trade partners and constricting global trade flows. We must learn from these past mistakes. Pursuing destructive trade wars will undermine economic growth, destroy jobs, and diminish America's standing as a global economic leader. In this era of economic integration, the prosperity of American workers and businesses is intrinsically linked to the ability to trade freely across borders. Unilaterally imposing draconian tariffs is an act of severe economic self-harm that betrays America's core principles of free market capitalism. I urge you to reject this reckless protectionist agenda and instead pursue policies that will strengthen the U.S. economy through robust international trade and economic engagement.