At the end of the work week, every Idaho family ought to be able to cover their bills. Our government can make that easier. But the Republicans in power keep making it harder for the people who work, farm, and run businesses here.
Donald Trump’s tariffs are part of a chaotic economic agenda that keeps putting Idahoans on the losing end. Six months after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariffs, Trump is using a legally questionable approach to escalate his reckless trade war with Canada. He announced new 50% tariffs that American businesses and consumers will pay. Predictably, Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on American goods.
Idaho has a lot to lose. Canada is our largest export market, buying $1.8 billion in Idaho goods last year, nearly 40% of our exports. Idaho farms and businesses also depend on Canadian fertilizer, lumber, machinery, animal feed, and other products. Thousands of Idaho jobs rely on that trade.
The consequences of these trade wars are already showing up across our state. East Idaho wheat farmer Jamie Kress has pointed to tariffs on equipment and parts as another burden on top of high fertilizer and fuel costs. Ketchum-based Wild Rye estimates tariffs and shipping fees cost the company about $500,000. Owner Cassie Abel said constant tariff changes upended the company’s plans and eventually forced her to sell more of the business than she intended.
This comes as Idahoans are already struggling to afford the basics, with skyrocketing prices made worse by the war of choice in Iran. The average Idaho household has had to spend more than $3,000 extra since Trump returned to office.
Trump’s response to high beef prices shows he is only consistent in wreaking havoc. His push to increase foreign beef imports could undercut American ranchers and make it harder to rebuild a domestic herd already at its smallest size in decades.
The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and Idaho Cattle Association have spoken out against the move, warning of long-term harm to our cattle industry without meaningful relief for consumers. Republican senators from Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana and Kansas have pushed Trump to reconsider.
Meanwhile, Idaho Republican leaders, including Brad Little, Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, have stayed silent.
Idaho Democrats want to stop tariff wars that drive up prices, end the war in Iran making gas and fertilizer too expensive, reverse healthcare cuts, support farmers and small businesses, and make sure working people are not forced to absorb every bad decision coming out of Washington.
Democrats are working to make life more affordable for Idaho families. Idaho Republicans are still too afraid to cross Trump, even when Idahoans are paying the price.
Onward,
Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair