Republicans want you to believe Trump’s tariffs will pay off… eventually.
But here’s the reality: right now, they’re doing the opposite of what GOP lawmakers promised – factories are laying off workers, not hiring. The so-called “America First” trade policies that Republican politicians celebrate are gutting American manufacturing in real time, and the same Republicans who pushed them are trying to spin their way out of it.
Let’s be clear: Republicans who supported Trump’s tariffs own the job losses spreading in their communities and across the country.
“Republicans who supported Trump’s tariffs own manufacturing job losses in their own districts and across the country. They promised to protect American jobs, but instead they handed workers over to the wolves,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Nico Delgado. “Jobs are gone while prices are skyrocketing, and they’re still doubling down on failed policies. Voters aren’t buying it – and neither are we.”
Mack Trucks Bleeds Jobs in Pennsylvania
In Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s (PA-07) own backyard, Mack Trucks is laying off up to 350 workers at its Lower Macungie plant. This is the factory that builds Mack trucks for North America – and it’s cutting jobs. Why? A collapse in truck demand, fueled by Trump’s trade war. While Mackenzie was busy cheerleading the tariffs, workers in his district got laid off.
Steel Jobs Vanish in Michigan and Minnesota
Cleveland-Cliffs, a major steel producer, laid off 1,200 workers at its facilities in Michigan and Minnesota. The layoffs were attributed to disruptions in the steel and auto industries caused by the tariffs, which led to increased costs and reduced demand. These are jobs that fuel the steel industry – an industry Trump swore he’d protect. Instead, it’s buckling under the very tariffs he imposed. And Tom Barrett (MI-07) gave them his stamp of approval.
Virginia Jobs Aren’t Safe
In Rep. Jen Kiggans’ home state of Virginia, rural communities like Buena Vista and Covington are most at risk from retaliatory tariffs. In Buena Vista, 28% of jobs – approximately 900 positions – are potentially impacted by these tariffs. Kiggans backed these policies right along with the rest of her party, and now working families in her own state are paying the price.
Published: Apr 24, 2025 | Last Modified: Apr 28, 2025