MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace recently criticized White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a heated exchange over tariffs. Leavitt claimed that tariffs are a ’tax cut for the American people,’ arguing that they impose costs on foreign countries rather than U.S. consumers. However, AP reporter Josh Boak challenged this assertion, explaining that tariffs are paid by importers in the United States, not foreign companies. Leavitt responded defensively, accusing Boak of personally attacking her economic knowledge.
Economists widely disagree with Leavitt’s stance. The Century Foundation and other experts have clarified that tariffs effectively function as taxes on American consumers, leading to higher prices for goods and services. This contradicts the Trump administration’s claims of supporting tax cuts for Americans. Annie Lowrey from The Atlantic echoed these points during a discussion with Wallace, emphasizing that tariffs exacerbate the cost of living crisis by increasing expenses for households and businesses.
Wallace was particularly critical of Leavitt’s response, stating, ‘She’s either tragically uninformed or lying.’ She questioned whether any economist in Trump’s Cabinet would support Leavitt’s claims under oath. A Washington Post poll revealed that 60% of voters disapprove of tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada, and China, further highlighting public skepticism toward the administration’s trade policies.
The clash over tariffs underscores ongoing debates about their economic impact. While the Trump administration has promoted tariffs as a means to protect American industries, critics argue they harm consumers by driving up prices. This controversy reflects broader tensions between political rhetoric and economic reality in U.S. trade policy.