It’s tough to find a Democrat in Washington with anything nice to say about President Donald Trump’s policies. But Midwestern Democrats are finding a lot to like about his steel tariffs.
Trump doubled the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50% this month, an aggressive move that’ll impact many countries, including U.S. allies. And though most Democrats disagree with the haphazard tariff approach Trump has taken, some say the effort to protect U.S. steel manufacturing is a good one.
Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.), vice chair of the bipartisan Steel Caucus, agrees with Trump that steel production is a national security issue. Mrvan also lobbied President Joe Biden to keep 25% tariffs in place during his administration.
“We’re beginning to produce more steel in our area and that’s a good thing,” Mrvan told us. “It is ripe for Democrats and Republicans to work together to make sure that we create work and wealth in our districts and protect the steel industry when it comes to our national security.”
Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) echoed that sentiment, arguing that foreign steel being dumped into the United States has been an issue that’s particularly impacted the Rust Belt.
“There’s a strategic reason to increase prices to make sure there’s a fairer and level playing field,” Jackson said.
Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) said she agrees with Trump that past trade deals didn’t prioritize American steel workers, but Congress should also weigh in on U.S. tariff policy.
Some Democrats have introduced legislation to give Congress authority over tariffs in response to Trump’s trade war, but there’s little chance those bills will be taken up with Republicans in control of Washington.
“I absolutely support the use of tariffs in a strategic, well-thought-out way, but Congress should be weighing on the tariffs,” Hoyle said.
Steel latest. The long-awaited Nippon Steel deal to acquire U.S. Steel was finalized last week with a structured plan to give Trump increased power in the partnership.
Trump will have the ability to name a board member as part of a non-economic golden share agreement. Trump will also have a say when it comes to exporting jobs overseas and cutting production. The administration must approve any relocation of U.S. Steel’s headquarters outside of Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Japanese corporation made the roughly $15 billion purchase after the Biden administration attempted to block the deal, arguing the move to place the country’s biggest steel producer under foreign ownership could impact national security and the U.S. supply chain.
