Durbin Slams President Trump's Failing Tariffs, Harm To The U.S. Economy
In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin condemned the Trump Administration for the state of the economy due to the President’s unpopular policies including ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill’ and the Trump Tariffs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor highlighting President Trump’s disastrous economic plan – including both the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) and the chaotic Trump Tariffs. Not only could 17 million people lose their health care under the OBBA but working families making less than $35,000 a year will only see a minor tax break of only $3 a week—compared with billionaires who could see a tax break of more than $310,000—or $6,000 a week.
“Republicans claim to be the party of ‘fiscal responsibility,’ but over the next decade this ‘Big, Beautiful Trump Budget’ law will add a whopping $3.4 trillion to the national debt. [During] his first term in office in four years, he added more debt to the United States Treasury than any president in history. Now he's going to break his own record. That means that while corporations and the ultrawealthy receive giveaways, working families will see higher inflation and prices due to this foolish trade war the President has initiated. Combined with the health care cuts, working class families are going to be the losers,” said Durbin.
Durbin then spoke about the impacts of the Trump Tariffs as kids across America just started a new school year. Thanks to his tariffs, school supplies have risen by more than 12 percent, or by $73 million compared with last year.
“Instead of playing golf one day, the President should spend a day with real families in America… Donald Trump campaigned on ‘lowering costs on Day One’ and promised his tariffs would somehow ‘liberate’ the American taxpayer. In reality, his misguided tariff wars have led to fear, uncertainty, and higher prices for American consumers… It’s not just school supplies. Costs are up across the board on nearly all everyday goods. I’ll show you: Fresh vegetables are up more than 16 percent since June, coffee is up nearly 30 percent, a carton of eggs is more expensive than a year ago. And that’s not all. The cost to repair your car, to heat or cool your home, to pay for formula, diapers, clothes for your children are all up thanks to this President’s policies,” said Durbin.
Durbin then spoke about the impacts of these tariffs on American manufacturing. Under this Administration, the United States is set to lose nearly $500 billion by 2029 in manufacturing investments.
Durbin continued, “That hurts long-time manufacturing powerhouses like Peoria, Decatur, and Rockford—communities that rely on good-paying manufacturing jobs to foster local business growth, support families, and drive innovation.”
Durbin concluded his speech by remarking on the sloppy approach the Administration is taking regarding these tariffs and our relationships overseas.
“Now some targeted tariffs in areas where there is unfair foreign competition can be warranted, but that is not what is happening,” said Durbin. “What we have is chaos. Everyone knows this sloppy approach by this Administration is a bad deal for the American people, and yet another example of executive overreach by this President, which is why the courts have ruled these tariffs illegal. But instead of respecting the courts, Trump has doubled down. On a Truth Social post, he said, ‘Without Tariffs… our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated.’”
On the issue of military readiness and foreign policy: Trump’s tariffs are reshaping the global order in a dangerous and unprecedented way. Just last week, Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Xi of China—our biggest adversaries—were seen smiling with Prime Minister Modi of India during a trilateral meeting of the country’s leaders.
“President Trump’s tariff policies have pushed India away from us and toward our rivals. Tariffs were ‘supposed’ to strengthen our hand. Instead, they are weakening our position around the globe,” said Durbin. “These tariffs mean higher prices, less opportunity, and a weaker standing abroad. It is time to put American families and workers first and reverse course on this failed policy.”
Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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