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February 26, 2026
The first year of President Donald Trump’s second term has Helena coffee roaster Steven Ladefoged jittery. In April 2025, Trump introduced tariffs on green coffee bean imports ranging from 10% to 15%, which later escalated to 50%. Relief came in mid-November when green coffee was exempted from tariffs, yet roasters still face impacts from past purchases.
“When Trump was originally kind of negotiating those deals, it was kind of weekly, depending on deals that were made with different countries … There was a lot of, like, imported food goods, coffee being included, excluded, from those tariffs as well. And so that kind of dramatically changed prices…” Ladefoged said.
The U.S Supreme Court ruled Feb. 20 that Trump lacked authority to implement these tariffs. By that ruling, instant coffee still faced a 50% charge. A new batch of tariffs was introduced by Trump, but due to the ruling, Congress will review them after 150 days.
Asked about Congress’s potential actions, Montana’s Republican delegation didn’t comment directly. Rep. Troy Downing remarked on the benefits of the tariffs for American producers, noting they bring revenue and prompt new trade deals.
“Everyone drinks coffee, and it can’t be grown in the U.S.,” said Katie Bennett from Café Imports. She highlighted how fluctuating tariffs based on bean origin caused business uncertainty, with Brazil and Vietnam facing significant tariffs.
Tariffs coincided with poor crop conditions, further affecting availability. Prices soared; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported January 2026 retail coffee prices reaching $9.37 per pound, a 33% increase from the previous year.
Montana’s Western U.S. House Rep. Ryan Zinke praised tariffs on palladium imports benefitting the local mine. “President Trump is using targeted tariffs exactly as intended to protect American workers and strengthen American industry,” Zinke stated.
However, not all viewed the tariffs favorably. Montana Farmers Union President Walt Schweitzer applauded the Supreme Court decision, citing harm to international trade relationships crucial for farmers.
Windy Boy joins eastern U.S. House race
Veteran Democratic legislator Jonathan Windy Boy announced his candidacy for Montana’s Eastern U.S. House District. Competing against other Democrats in the June 2 primary, Windy Boy, currently serving in the state Senate, emphasizes understanding Montana values and delivering results.
There are five tribal reservations in the district. Windy Boy, a Chippewa Cree member, has represented at least two of these, focusing on issues important to tribal communities. An independent candidate, Michael Eisenhauer, is also gathering signatures for the general election ballot.
Is a flat tax Gianforte’s last act?
Governor Greg Gianforte plans to implement a flat 4.7% income tax in Montana by 2027, marking his final legislative session. Highlighting regional tax competition, Gianforte stresses the importance for economic growth. With reduced income taxes since 2021, projected state revenue decreases by $509 million annually by 2028.
Mountain States Policy Center CEO Chris Cargill noted other states like Utah and Arizona offer lower tax rates, influencing economic competitiveness. Gianforte’s efforts have lowered Montana’s top income tax rate from 6.9% in 2021 to 5.4% now, pushing for further reductions in tax brackets.
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