Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Donald Trump Caving To China On Tariffs, Resulting In Chaos And Uncertainty For American Workers, Consumers, And Manufacturers

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor to denounce Donald Trump’s trade “deal” with China, which continues his pattern of creating chaos and increasing costs for American families and workers. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Donald Trump promised that, in dealing with China, he would not back off without getting concessions in return.

And then yesterday, Donald Trump did in fact cave to China, without getting much in the way of any concessions.

Sadly, it seems like China has once again gotten the better of Donald Trump, and that’s bad news for American workers, American consumers, American manufacturing.

I’ve long been clear that going after China is a good thing. Going after the Chinese government when they're unfair on trade is a good thing.

I’ve been clear that tariffs, when used carefully and as part of a larger strategy, can help bringing nations like those run by the Chinese Communist Party to heel.

But that is not what happened under Donald Trump. Instead, Donald Trump announced “Liberation Day,” pushed us to the brink of recession, sent markets flailing, and sent consumers and small businesses into a panic, all so he could cave to China without having anything to show for the heartache.

This has all been another example of Donald Trump’s chaos. Chaos – that’s a watch word for the way this administration acts.

He has one policy for his tariffs one day, a different policy the next day.

One day, he’s pretending to be a tough guy with China. The next, he’s caving to China and getting little – if anything – in return. Who knows what Trump’s tariff policy will be in the next 90 days? No business can count on what he might say or do.

And then he promised that he will stick to his word, stick to his policies – well, the past is prologue, that never happens.

Donald Trump’s announcement with China is cold comfort for consumers and small businesses alike for one reason: we don’t know what he will do next.

###