Article Summary –
Rep. Brad Finstad supported President Trump’s tariff policy despite its negative impact on Minnesota farmers, particularly with increased fertilizer and machinery costs, leading to difficulties for local farmers like Matt Purfeerst and broader agricultural challenges as noted by Ryan Mackenthun. Finstad, however, maintained that these tariffs, which introduced market volatility and uncertainty, were necessary for better trade negotiations and described as fitting Trump’s disruptive approach. Despite backlash, Finstad continued to advocate for the tariffs, voting to protect them in the House and linking them to broader geopolitical issues like the war in Iran, while running for a third term amidst increasing scrutiny and political challenges.
Rep. Brad Finstad supported former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, despite its adverse effects on Minnesota farming. The tariffs on global imports raised fertilizer and machinery costs, which remained high even after their repeal by the U.S. Supreme Court in February.
Matt Purfeerst, a fifth-generation farmer in Finstad’s district, revealed to the Guardian the challenges posed by the volatile soybean market, making it tough for family farms to thrive.
The situation worsened as Ryan Mackenthun, VP of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, informed KSTP that farmers might struggle to survive. CBS News reported farmers skipping planting season to reduce costs.
Rising fertilizer costs were worsened by shipping disruptions due to the Iran conflict.
Finstad remained optimistic in April 2025, shortly after the tariffs’ introduction, anticipating temporary challenges.
“In the short term, there’s uneasiness and unknowns,” he stated. “That is tough to navigate, but I hope we’ll emerge with better trade partners.”
Finstad continued defending the policy, even in an August 2025 meeting, acknowledging “disruption and uncertainty” but framing Trump as “the ultimate disruptor in chief.”
“A certain amount of resetting is happening, causing short-term uncertainty,” Finstad noted. “I’m sympathetic and aware, as we all feel and see it.”
Later, in discussions with community leaders, he reiterated tariffs were creating “marketplace uncertainties” but leading to better trade deal negotiations.
In a February podcast, Finstad described tariffs as a short-term cause of instability yet resulting in new opportunities.
Finstad voted to uphold Trump’s tariffs in the House and opposed ending the Iran war. He is campaigning for a third term, with his Democratic opponent to be selected in the Aug. 11 primary.
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