As President Trump imposed stringent tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, a majority of Republican members of Congress remained mute or lauded his actions, despite their constituents’ concerns over rising costs for everything from crops to cars and household appliances. The exception was Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a rare Republican who frequently criticizes the president, who on social media pointed out that ‘tariffs are merely taxes. Conservatives once stood united against new taxes. Taxing trade means reduced trade and higher prices.’ This stance echoed the views of nearly all Democrats who attempted to convey to voters that Mr. Trump, who had promised to lower costs during his campaign, was now doing the opposite.
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