Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) expressed that the U.S. is “in a trade war with ourselves” due to President Trump’s tariff policies.
During her appearance on News Nation’s “The Hill Sunday,” host Blake Berman asked her about the administration’s assertion that tariffs were meant to attract manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
Berman noted that Dean’s state has several manufacturing facilities facing idleness this summer, potentially leading to hundreds of job losses. While the Trump administration promotes tariff plans as a means to revive domestic jobs, some lawmakers contend that jobs may simply move abroad instead.
“Everyone supports bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.,” she remarked, highlighting the passage of the significant Chips and Science Act as part of that effort. “We applaud the intention to boost manufacturing, but this approach isn’t feasible.”
Dean called the current situation “absolutely reckless,” mentioning that the tariffs are detrimental both at home and abroad.
She recounted her recent trip to Europe, where she felt “confused” by Trump’s abrupt tariff strategy.
“This policy doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t support U.S. manufacturing. Instead, it acts as a hefty tax on Americans and discourages businesses from engaging with us,” Dean stated.
According to her, many are eager to establish manufacturing within the U.S., but it will require time and thoughtful policy to achieve that.
Rep. Locanna echoed Dean’s sentiments. He pointed out that, despite the potential shift in production away from China due to high tariffs, it is likely that technology manufacturing will relocate to countries like India, Malaysia, or Vietnam, where tariff rates are more favorable.
Lawmakers are increasingly concerned as U.S. companies monitor market changes and alert customers about rising prices linked to tariffs.
