CNN anchor Brianna Keilar engaged in a heated exchange with Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis during a recent discussion about the effects of tariffs on American consumers. Keilar questioned Malliotakis’ assertion that tax cuts would be more impactful than the potential financial burdens imposed by tariffs.
Keilar pressed Malliotakis, asking, ‘Would voters appreciate a tax cut more if they weren’t taking it in the shorts on tariffs?’ Malliotakis defended her position, emphasizing the Republican principle of allowing people to keep more of their hard-earned money and striving to lower prices. She referenced past tariff actions against China, arguing that they did not significantly affect consumer prices.
However, Keilar interrupted to counter, ‘With all due respect, you’re hearing the projections — no one’s expecting that this isn’t going to affect the bottom line.’ She pointed out that President Trump himself had recently asked farmers to bear with him, indicating clear economic consequences. Keilar stressed that economists widely expect tariffs to lead to increased prices.
Malliotakis stood her ground, reiterating that previous tariffs on China did not raise prices and expressed optimism about working with the administration to reduce taxes for working families and seniors. She argued that the current situation was different from past tariff actions, likening it to comparing ‘apples to a watermelon.’
Keilar accused Malliotakis of minimizing the impact of tariffs, while Malliotakis maintained she was suggesting that the tariffs might only be temporary if they achieve their intended policy objectives. She added, ‘That’s what I’m trying to say.’ Keilar countered by highlighting the $27 billion in taxpayer funds Trump had previously allocated to farmers affected by tariffs, emphasizing the significant costs involved.
The exchange underscored the ongoing debate over the economic implications of tariffs and highlighted differing perspectives on how best to support American workers and consumers.