Senator Gallego Criticizes Trump’s Tariff Policies During Arizona Visit
During a recent visit to northern Arizona, Senator Ruben Gallego voiced concerns over the Trump administration’s tariffs, highlighting their economic impact on local businesses. The senator’s comments came during a tour of Mayan Winds, a coffee shop in east Flagstaff, where the Democrat expressed his belief that the tariffs are nudging the nation toward a recession.
“And the worst of it all is that this is absolutely self-inflicted. There was no reason that we had to go about it in the manner that we did. It’s chaotic, it is haphazard and it is destroying our economy,” Gallego told KNAU.
Gallego further noted that these policies discourage international tourism, adversely affecting Arizona’s tourist economy. Jeronimo Vasquez, owner of Mayan Winds and a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, confirmed a noticeable decline in tourist numbers and pointed out the rising cost of coffee as additional challenges.
The senator’s concerns extend beyond local businesses to the broader national economy. He indicated that the hesitance of business owners to expand is a sign of impending economic stagnation. “When business owners tell you, ‘I’m not expanding. I am being conservative. I don’t know what the market looks like:’ that means that there is no longer growth. If we don’t grow in this country, it’s a recession,” Gallego stated.
Gallego has criticized the Trump administration for not supporting legislation like the Biden administration’s CHIPS Act, which aims to bolster manufacturing jobs in the United States. He contends that reversing the tariff policies is crucial to averting a recession.
Amidst these economic concerns, Gallego suggested that President Trump is trying to divert public attention through controversial statements about deportation. Recently, Trump discussed with the Salvadoran President, Nayib Bukele, the possibility of deporting U.S. citizens to Salvadoran prisons, a move Gallego views as a distraction tactic.
“Well, I think it was a purposely placed comment to get us to all talking about it. It is illegal and anybody that engages in that, whether it’s the president, or any government official that is engaged in deporting and sending American citizens outside the border, will be held accountable, whether it be now or in a couple years,” Gallego commented.
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