Arizona Democrats condemn President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on imports

PHOENIX — For President Donald Trump, Wednesday represented the nation’s liberation from trade agreements he claims have hurt American workers and manufacturers for decades.

But for several Democrats from Arizona, the actions Trump took on what he called “Liberation Day” will only burden taxpayers.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly spoke out against Trump ahead of the president’s speech in which he announced higher tariff rates on dozens of nations, along with a 10% baseline tax on imports.

“What exactly is he liberating Americans from?” Kelly asked in a social media post. “Our savings and 401Ks? His tariffs are going to be a giant tax on American families, raising the price of groceries, housing, cars and so much more.”

Why Arizona Democrats condemned Trump’s new tariffs

U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari of Arizona’s 3rd congressional district also spoke against the new tariffs.

“Apparently, ‘liberation’ to Donald Trump and Elon Musk means jacking up prices for you and your life,” Ansari said in a social media video. “Mexico, for example, is a key trading partner of Arizona.”

Trump has declared today “Liberation Day” as he announces new tariffs. In reality, it’s a day for him to implement blanket taxes on working class Americans.

Let’s break it down. pic.twitter.com/lJyV65laKa

— Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (@RepYassAnsari) April 2, 2025

Enacting tariffs on Mexico will lead to a spike in grocery and housing costs, she added.

“Trump’s tariffs are estimated to cost Arizona businesses and consumers around $8 million per day, and the cost for each household could be an additional $1,200 per day,” Ansari said.

Furthermore, Ansari said Trump’s tariffs could exacerbate Arizona’s housing crisis by impacting supplies like steel and aluminum, which are used to build cars and homes.

“What we’re seeing from Donald Trump is extreme volatility,” Ansari said.

Democrat Greg Stanton also speaks out against new tariffs from Trump

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona’s 4th congressional district said Trump was overstepping boundaries and violating citizens by instating the new tariffs.

“Trump’s tariffs are pushing the rest of the world closer to the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of American families and businesses,” Stanton said on social media.

Like Ansari and Kelly, he reiterated the opinion that the tariffs will mean higher prices for Arizona families and businesses.

“My colleagues on the other side of the aisle need to understand: this chaos ends when Congress takes back its Constitutional authority over international commerce,” Stanton said.

He highlighted his backing of the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would stop the president from imposing tariffs during a national emergency without Congressional approval.

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