Home » Unions Show Paradoxical Support for Trump’s Tariffs

Unions Show Paradoxical Support for Trump’s Tariffs

by NY Review Contributor

In a surprising development, several prominent labor unions have publicly supported former President Donald Trump’s broad tariff policies, which went into effect on August 7, 2025. The tariffs, which impose a baseline 10% tariff on imports from nearly all countries, include additional country-specific rates ranging from 11% to 50% for nations with significant trade deficits with the United States. This policy, known as the “Liberation Day” tariffs, marks a sharp shift in U.S. trade policy and has sparked a heated debate over its potential consequences for the economy and the working class.

Union Leaders’ Support and Rationale

The support for these tariffs from labor unions is a remarkable development, given their traditional role in advocating for workers’ rights and economic policies that support the welfare of the middle class. Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), has become one of the most vocal proponents of the tariffs. Fain, who had previously criticized Trump’s labor policies, now commends the administration for taking steps to protect American manufacturing jobs. He describes the current global trade system as a “free-trade disaster” that has harmed American manufacturing communities, particularly in industries like automotive production. According to Fain, these tariffs represent an important move toward reversing decades of policies that have led to the offshoring of U.S. manufacturing jobs and undermined the economic stability of many American workers.

Similarly, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the country’s largest unions, has also endorsed the tariffs. The Teamsters see the tariffs as a necessary measure to protect American jobs, particularly in sectors such as transportation, construction, and warehousing. They argue that tariffs are essential in leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses that are often outcompeted by cheaper foreign goods, which they believe are being subsidized by foreign governments. Union leaders like those in the Teamsters see the tariffs as a means to combat what they perceive as unfair trade practices by other countries, especially those with large trade surpluses with the U.S.

Read Also: https://nyreview.com/court-overturns-trumps-liberation-day-tariffs-a-major-setback-for-u-s-trade-policy/

Economic Concerns and Repercussions

Despite the strong support from union leaders, economists and business analysts have raised serious concerns about the broader economic implications of these tariffs. The concern is that the wide-reaching nature of the tariffs could result in significant economic fallout, particularly for consumers. The tariffs are expected to drive up the prices of a wide range of goods, from electronics to food products, which could lead to inflationary pressures. Consumers, especially those in lower-income brackets, would be disproportionately affected as the cost of living increases and purchasing power decreases.

Furthermore, the implementation of such tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, which are intricately connected to international trade. Many U.S. businesses rely on imported raw materials and finished goods to remain competitive. With higher tariffs on these goods, businesses may face increased production costs, which could result in higher prices for consumers. Additionally, the tariffs could provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially leading to a trade war. This retaliation could harm U.S. industries that depend on exports, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Economists also worry that the tariffs could slow economic growth and increase the risk of a recession. With higher costs and potential disruptions in the global flow of goods, businesses may cut back on investment and hiring, which could lead to job losses and an overall slowdown in the economy. There is a growing concern that the tariffs, while intended to protect American workers, may end up hurting the very same workers by stifling economic growth and reducing job opportunities in certain sectors.

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Controversy

The legality of the “Liberation Day” tariffs has been a subject of intense debate. In May 2025, the United States Court of International Trade ruled that the tariffs exceeded the authority granted to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is typically used to address national security threats. The court issued a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the tariffs, but the administration appealed the ruling. As a result, the tariffs remain in effect pending further legal proceedings.

The ongoing legal challenges add another layer of uncertainty to the situation. While some legal experts believe the tariffs could ultimately be struck down by the courts, others argue that the executive branch has broad authority to impose tariffs in pursuit of economic or national security objectives. The final outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for the future of U.S. trade policy and the ability of the president to implement such far-reaching tariffs without congressional approval.

A Divided Labor Movement and Political Implications

The support for Trump’s tariffs by certain unions highlights the complexity and division within American labor politics. While some unions, such as the UAW and Teamsters, view the tariffs as a critical step to reviving American manufacturing and protecting American jobs, others are more cautious. Some union leaders have expressed concern that the tariffs could hurt workers in the long run by raising the cost of living and slowing economic growth. These differing views reflect the broader debate within the labor movement about how best to address the challenges facing American workers in an increasingly globalized economy.

The issue of tariffs has also become a point of contention in the broader political landscape. The Democratic Party, traditionally aligned with labor unions, has found itself divided over the issue. Some Democrats have supported the tariffs, citing their potential to protect U.S. industries and create jobs, while others have criticized them for their potential to hurt consumers and disrupt international trade relationships. The Republican Party, on the other hand, has largely rallied behind the tariffs, seeing them as a way to assert American economic power on the global stage and reduce trade imbalances.

The support for Trump’s tariffs from some unions could also have significant political ramifications. It may serve to solidify the support of blue-collar voters, particularly in the Midwest and other manufacturing-heavy regions, who feel left behind by globalization. However, it could also alienate other constituencies, particularly in the business community and among consumers who may feel the brunt of rising prices.

The support of labor unions for Trump’s tariffs reflects a complex and evolving dynamic within U.S. labor politics. While these unions view the tariffs as a necessary step to protect American workers and industries, the broader economic risks remain significant. The potential for increased consumer prices, retaliatory trade measures, and economic slowdowns poses a challenge to the long-term success of these policies.

The legal battles surrounding the tariffs will likely continue to shape the future of U.S. trade policy, and the outcome could set a precedent for future administrations’ ability to implement similar measures. As the situation evolves, businesses, workers, and policymakers will need to carefully consider the costs and benefits of protectionist trade policies and their long-term effects on the American economy. For now, the paradoxical support for the tariffs by unions highlights the ongoing debate over how to best balance protectionism with the need for a stable, open global economy.

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