Government and Politics
February 1, 2025
SIOUX FALLS - South Dakota Democratic Party Chair Shane Merrill released the following statement as Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese products.
"We aren't even a month into this presidency and already Trump is going back on his campaign promise to lower costs for hard working Americans," said Chair Merrill. "Because of these tariffs, Americans will now have to pay more for groceries, medications, lumber, cars, and electronics. People are already struggling to pay for every day items - they can't afford Trump's disastrous taxes. People's jobs will also be on the line. Farmers will also be caught up in these tariffs, just like what happened in 2018 & 2019. That trade dispute, caused by the Trump Administration, created severe financial stress on our farmers. We cannot do this again to our farmers. The South Dakota Democratic Party calls on these tariffs to end immediately."
"If we want to lower costs for Americans, we need to hold large corporations accountable for price gouging, paying CEOs exorbitant salaries and keeping employees from earning a living wage. We also need to make sure there is a fair market for farmers and ranchers to sell their products. It's high time to pass a good Farm Bill that boosts our agricultural industry."
"Please contact Sen. John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds and Congressman Dusty Johnson and tell them how these tariffs are hurting your family. They need to know that the policies of the Trump Administration are directly hurting their constituents. This chaos and confusion needs to stop."
For questions, you can contact the SDDP Executive Director Dan Ahlers at [email protected] or contact the state party office by phone at 605-271-5405 or 605-940-3071.