**Washington**: President Trump has postponed tariffs set for March 4, facing sharp criticism from GOP strategist Rick Tyler, who warns of economic repercussions. Tyler describes tariffs as a regressive tax impacting the poor and middle class, revealing concerns about consumer costs and supply chain chaos.
President Donald Trump has announced a postponement of new tariffs that were set to take effect on March 4, though he has not ruled out their eventual implementation. In April, a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico is slated to return, potentially impacting a range of goods entering the United States.
During a recent appearance on MSNBC, GOP strategist Rick Tyler voiced strong criticisms regarding the proposed tariffs, equating their potential economic impact to that of a “wrecking ball.” Speaking with host Symone Sanders, Tyler remarked that tariffs negatively affect the economy, stating, “Tariffs have a negative effect on the economy — we don’t have to wonder about it. It’s like a wrecking ball at the apex aimed at the building when the wrecking ball starts to move. We know what’s going to happen: It’s going to hit the building.”
Tyler elaborated on the implications of these tariffs, describing them as a form of taxation, a sentiment contrasting with traditional Republican views against tax increases. “Let’s be clear about what tariffs are: Tariffs are a tax. Republicans used to not like taxes. Now, they love taxes. They love 25% taxes, and it is the worst kind of tax because it’s a regressive tax — mostly on the poor and the middle class,” he explained. Tyler noted that goods subject to these tariffs would be held at ports until the corresponding taxes are paid, posing a challenge for various stakeholders including importers, distributors, and retailers.
The strategist further asserted that the costs of these tariffs would likely be passed on to consumers, affecting those who shop at places like Walmart or purchase significant items such as cars and appliances. He added, “People are paying more than they were when Trump took office, and they’re looking for relief. I don’t see how they’re going to absorb the 25% tax on all of these different products.”
Additionally, Tyler raised concerns about the disruptions tariffs could create in supply chains, stating, “And that is chaos. The market can’t deal with that. Markets hate chaos.” His comments reflect a broader unease among some economists regarding the stability of the market in light of aggressive tariff policies.
This scrutiny comes amidst a larger context of trade discussions and economic policies that continue to shape the landscape of American commerce under the Trump administration. The economic ramifications of the delayed tariffs, as well as their potential reimplementation, remain a point of contention within both political and economic spheres.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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