NY Leaders react to Trump Tariffs

President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on all imports are being met with fierce criticism from political leaders and deep concern from small business owners across the Hudson Valley, where the economic ripple effects are expected. 

The administration’s announcement of a 10 percent blanket tariff on all imports — with the potential for higher reciprocal tariffs on countries trading with the U.S. — has sparked alarm across multiple sectors, from agriculture and retail to housing and tourism.

“Trump’s pushing housing costs even higher with tariffs, ignoring the rising price of eggs, and threatening people’s health care,” said U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democrat representing New York’s 18th Congressional District.

The financial strain is expected to hit working families and local industries particularly hard, with projections showing increased costs for goods, disrupted supply chains, and a decline in tourism revenue. Energy prices could also be on the rise, adding to the region’s economic unease.

On Wednesday Trump announced a 90 day pause on all reciprocal tariffs, barring those leveled against China, which faces a 125% tariff rate, clarifying that the blanket 10% tariff rate now applies to all U.S. trading partners for the time being. The announcement prompted a rally in the U.S. stock market, which last week had endured its biggest sell of since 2020. 

“Since the start of the Trump administration, the constant threat of tariffs has caused nothing but chaos and uncertainty,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Tariffs are estimated to cost Americans upwards of $6,500, 401(k)s are plummeting, and businesses that rely on tourism are feeling the negative impacts of the loss of our Canadian visitors from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point.”

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) echoed the concerns, warning of a looming recession fueled by what he called “bad public policy.” “What kind of bubble is this man and his billionaire cohorts in that they don’t understand that when the average American family is told that you’re going to have to pay $5,000 more for the things you buy, that it pains them?” Schumer said. “This is a textbook example of bad public policy and I’m calling on President Trump to immediately rescind his tariffs before they inflict further damage on working families — and if he won’t act, Congress must,” the Democratic leader said. 

Schumer added that even some Republicans are privately voicing concerns about the plan, describing it as a de facto tax hike that threatens consumer confidence and economic stability that will go into effect in the next few days. “They know that the stock market is in turmoil, risking people’s retirements,” Schumer said. 

Some Republicans believe Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will rebalance global trade. However, the tariffs have rattled markets and drawn criticism from economists and editorial boards alike. The Wall Street Journal was among those panning the move, and major stock indexes fell sharply following the announcement.

Meanwhile, a group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence joined the chorus of dissent, calling on Congress to assert its constitutional role in taxation. “Congress has a constitutional responsibility to reclaim its authority over taxation,” the group said in a statement published on Fox News.

The Trump administration has defended the policy, claiming the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to protect national and economic security. According to a statement on the White House website, the tariffs are intended to “increase competitive edge, protect our sovereignty and strengthen our national and economic security.”

“These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated,” according to a statement on the White House website.