The US Senate’s Democratic minority leader, Chuck Schumer, has called on the government to begin refunding farmers who were affected by President Trump’s tariffs. The request comes after it was revealed that the United States has spent over $175 billion dollars on tariffs since 2018.
When I think of tariffs, I immediately recall the struggle Maria and I faced growing up in the South Bronx. We had limited resources, but we managed to make do because our community relied on each other. The government’s decision to impose tariffs on certain goods was like a kick in the gut for those who were already struggling. It only exacerbated an already dire situation.
Just because we can’t see the immediate effects of these policies doesn’t mean they’re not harming us. As I see it, the cost of living continues to rise, and people are forced to make difficult choices between paying bills or putting food on the table. That’s why I believe Chuck Schumer is right in calling for the government to refund farmers affected by President Trump’s tariffs.