By The Portland Medium
President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs have drawn sharp criticism from Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05), who condemned the move as a “reckless decision” that will raise prices on everyday goods and strain working families. The tariffs, which Trump announced yesterday under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, include a 10% blanket tariff on all countries starting April 5, with higher, individualized tariffs on nations with the largest U.S. trade deficits beginning April 9.
“These tariffs could represent the largest tax hike in U.S. history,” Bynum said in a statement released shortly after the announcement. “Our families can’t afford to pay more for groceries, gas, repairs to their cars, or any other everyday item. Today’s announcement is yet another reckless decision by a reckless Administration that is making it extremely clear they don’t give a rat’s a** about the American people.”
Trump justified the tariffs by declaring foreign trade practices a national emergency, citing persistent trade deficits and non-reciprocal trade relationships. His administration emphasized the tariffs as a measure to protect American workers and rebalance global trade dynamics. The tariffs exempt certain goods, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber, while leaving existing agreements like the USMCA intact for compliant trade partners such as Canada and Mexico.
Bynum, however, argued that the policy will backfire, exacerbating inflation and destabilizing the economy.
“I won’t sit by and watch as Donald Trump raises prices, crashes our economy and stock market, and makes life harder for Oregonians,” she said.
In response, Bynum has introduced the Protecting Families from Inflation Act, a bill requiring the Federal Reserve to assess the inflationary impact of tariffs on consumers and small businesses.
“I’ll always fight to make life more affordable for my constituents,” she said.
Bynum, who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, emphasized her oversight role in holding the Federal Reserve accountable for monitoring economic consequences. She directly challenged Trump’s pledge to end inflation “on Day 1,” noting that his new tariffs are contributing to rising costs and market instability.
