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Indian American Democrats call Trump tariffs ‘reckless and chaotic’
The new policy imposes a 26 percent tariff on Indian imports, in response to what Trump claims are India's 52 percent tariffs on American goods.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 03, Apr 2025
- 01:25 EDT
- 422
Indian American lawmakers and community leader Ajay Bhutoria. / Wikipedia
Indian American lawmakers have strongly criticized Donald Trump's newly-announced ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, which target several countries, including India. The policy, unveiled on Apr.2 during a White House Rose Garden event, imposes a 26 percent tariff on Indian imports, in response to what Trump claims are India's 52 percent tariffs on American goods.
Congressman Shri Thanedar called the decision reckless, warning that it would harm both the U.S. economy and diplomatic relations.
“Trump just announced chaotic tariffs that will hurt our economy, damage relationships with our allies, slash American jobs, and increase prices on everyday goods,” Thanedar wrote on X. “The evidence is clear: Trump’s never been worried about lowering costs; he’s only ever worried about himself.”
Trump just announced chaotic tariffs that will hurt our economy, damage relationships with our allies, slash American jobs, and increase prices on everyday goods.
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) April 2, 2025
The evidence is clear: Trump’s never been worried about lowering costs; he’s only ever worried about himself.
Representative Ami Bera also slammed the move, arguing that it would directly impact American consumers.
“Let me be clear: these tariffs will not ‘make America wealthy again,’” Bera posted on X. “These costs will be passed onto YOU— the American consumer. This is not a tax cut. This is a tax hike.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi described the tariffs as a burden on working families while benefiting the wealthy. “Donald Trump’s blanket tariffs are a tax on working families so that he can cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans,” he said.
He continued: “These latest so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs are reckless and self-destructive, inflicting financial pain on Illinois at a time when people are already struggling to keep their small businesses afloat and put food on the table. These tariffs isolate the United States on the global stage, alienate our allies, and empower our adversaries—all while forcing America’s seniors and working families to bear the brunt of higher prices.”
Statement from Ranking Member @CongressmanRaja on President Trump's Liberation Day tariffs: pic.twitter.com/V5cBNLMEoR
— Select Committee on the CCP Democrats (@CmteOnCCPDems) April 2, 2025
Indian American Suhas Subramanyam emphasized the negative consequences for small businesses and working families.
“These tariffs will raise costs on every American and actually hurt manufacturing in our country,” Subramanyam wrote. “Small businesses and working families will suffer the most.”
‘Economic fallout’
Ajay Bhutoria, former advisor to ex-President Joe Biden and co-chair of the economic subcommittee for the AANHPI Commission, also voiced serious concerns over the tariffs' far-reaching economic consequences.
He warned that the policy would make Indian goods, such as textiles and pharmaceuticals, less competitive while also increasing costs for American consumers.
“Tariffs on other major trading partners will drive up the cost of automobiles, groceries, medical supplies, and countless other products, hitting American consumers hard with an estimated additional $2,500 to $15,000 in annual expenses,” he explained. “India’s key industries face declining export volumes and financial strain, threatening millions of livelihoods and potentially weakening the strong U.S.-India economic partnership.”
Bhutoria called for diplomatic engagement to prevent further economic disruptions.
“This decision injects market uncertainty and risks disrupting global supply chains, possibly pushing Japan, South Korea, India, and others to diversify markets or pursue countermeasures. I urge leaders in both countries to engage in dialogue to address these challenges,” he said.
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