How the Tariffs Stole Christmas

Trump & Republicans’ Tariffs could lead to infla-la-la-lation and ho-ho-horrible price hikes next year

Des Moines, Iowa – President-elect Trump and Republicans in Congress have proposed implementing higher tariffs next year that would turn holiday cheer into financial fear. 

These tariffs  would be a Christmas stocking full of coal for hardworking Iowans. People who are already struggling to afford basic necessities can expect to see massive price increases on imported goods when Trump’s tariffs are implemented. Next year’s holiday season under these tariffs could be bleak. From wrapping paper to decorations, baking supplies and ugly sweaters, and toys and games, the burden of Trump’s tariffs will fall on working families.

"While the original Grinch wanted to steal all the presents, this one wants to make them too expensive to buy in the first place!" Americans for Tax Fairness Executive Director David Kass said. "Replacing an income tax system with a non-targeted tariff system is like switching out Santa's eight reindeer for the Grinch's dog—it can't pull the weight. It can't raise the revenue we need to ensure every family has what it needs, not only during the holiday season but all year round. Not without raising costs dramatically on those families while letting billionaires and huge corporations off the hook."

Trump recently backtracked on his promise to lower grocery costs for Americans, saying, “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard.” Hours later, he promised to lower the corporate tax rate even further, meaning corporate Christmas trees would be fully stocked while hardworking families struggle to set the dinner table. 

Instead of raising costs for everyday essentials and pushing a tax scam that lines the pockets of corporations and the wealthiest Americans, President-elect Trump and Republicans in Congress should be focused on putting working people first.