Letter from Michael Stein

‘This Isn’t Winning’

President Trump’s reckless imposition of sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs is not just bad policy—it’s an economic declaration of war on the American people and the rest of the world. By escalating trade barriers, he is targeting the wallets of American consumers, sabotaging U.S. industries that rely on global supply chains, and provoking retaliatory measures that will devastate farmers and manufacturers, among others.

History has repeatedly shown that this type of protectionism fuels inflation, stifles growth and ignites trade conflicts. These tariffs are a tax on everyday Americans, driving up prices on everything from groceries to electronics. At the same time, they alienate our allies and embolden our adversaries, undermining decades of diplomatic and economic cooperation.

This isn’t “winning”—it’s simply self-inflicted economic devastation. Congress must rein in this destructive agenda before the damage becomes irreversible. It’s time for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to stand up to Trump and his misguided policies. The continued prosperity of our country hangs in the balance.

Michael Stein
Member, CooperstownOneonta Indivisible