Trump tariff decision is unfortunate, will cost jobs: Former Indiana Governor
Mitch Daniels, the former governor of Indiana which has deep ties to the steel and aluminum world, is blasting Trump’s tariff plan telling FOX Business it will cost jobs and hurt consumers.
“It’s pretty well documented and understood that, it’ll cost jobs, run up prices in this country and it’s unclear what foreign policy let alone national security rational would justify the price we’re going to pay, so, it does seem an unfortunate decision,” he told FOX Business’ Connell McShane on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast.”
Trump confirmed the tariffs today from the White House which, as expected, includes a 25% tariff on all steel imports and 10% tariff on aluminum imports. “If you don’t have steel you don’t have a country” said Trump during his remarks.
Daniels, who is also the former Office of Management and Budget Director, expects his state to take a hit.
“Think about this from the standpoint of Indiana, we’re the number one steel state in the country, have been for 40 years…but we’re also the number two auto state, the number one RV state and one of the most manufacturing intensive states in the country…It’ll be a big net loser of jobs and obviously of cost to consumers,” Daniels said.
Trump did signal he is still willing to work with Canada and Mexico, leaving the door open for a re-work.
“I think on a very country specific and issue specific basis, there is always room to look out for the interests of this country without knowing exactly what measures they might be contemplating. I think you are on a lot firmer ground there. There have been abuses, we do know that,” Daniels said.
Outside of the U.S., the European Union pushed back against Trump’s tariffs, claiming that they were prepared to impose tariffs on Harley-Davidson motorbikes, bourbon whiskey and Levi’s jeans among other products.