Gillibrand Blasts Trump’s Tariff Tax Hike, Which Will Raise Inflation, Slow Economic Growth, And Increase Cost Of Living For New York Families; Pushes Legislation To Reassert Congress’ Power Over Tariffs

Apr 9, 2025
Trump’s Tariffs Could Cost New York HouseholdsAlmost $4,000 Extra Per Year For Gas, Groceries, And Other Everyday Goods
Tax Hike Will Also Devastate Small Businesses, Lower Life Savings, And Kill Good-Paying Jobs Across New York
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference slamming President Trump’s tariff tax hike, which is already wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy and raising prices for consumers. In response to the tariffs, Gillibrand signed on to the bipartisanTrade Review Act, which would require congressional oversight over the president’s implementation of tariffs. She also signed on to a letter demanding that the Trump administration immediately repeal the tariffs.
Last week, President Trump announced far-reaching tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners, sending the stock market tumbling and drawing criticism from allies across the globe. These destructive policies include a 10 percent baseline tariff on all countries, a 20 percent tariff on the European Union, and a 54 percent tariff on imports from China, on top of a previously announced 25 percent tariff on a broad range of imports from Mexico and Canada. Experts say that these tariffs represent the largest tax hike since 1951.
Trump’s tariffs will drastically increase the cost of living for American consumers, as prices will rise for a range of products including food, clothing, gas, cars, electronics, and construction materials. If the tariffs remain unchanged, they will cost the average New York household roughly $3,800 extra per year. They will also devastate small businesses, lower life savings, and kill good-paying jobs across New York.
“By instigating a global trade war, President Trump is playing games with the American economy, driving up costs for hardworking families, andfueling inflation,”said Senator Gillibrand.“I refuse to stand idly by as President Trump destroys our economy. That’s why I joined a bipartisan bill to reestablish limits on the president’s ability tounilaterally impose tariffs, and it’s why I’m demanding that the Trump administration repeal these ill-conceived tariffs immediately. I am committed to doing everything in my power to shield New Yorkers from these horrific tax hikes and hold the president accountable for the harm he’s causing.”
If passed, theTrade Review Actwould impose congressional oversight over the president’s implementation of tariffs. Specifically, it would do the following:
The text of the letter calling on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to immediately repeal Trump’s tariffs can be foundhere.
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