Senator Ted Cruz, a veteran Republican from Texas and chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, has issued a stark warning about the current U.S. tariffs. Despite calling himself one of President Donald Trump's strongest supporters, Cruz made it clear that he is "not a fan" of tariffs.
During a recent conversation, Cruz warned that if countries and regions around the world respond with reciprocal tariffs while Trump's tariffs remain in place, the outcome could be disastrous. He described the potential scenario as "terrible for America," projecting that within 30, 60, or 90 days, massive reciprocal tariffs might lead to an economic downturn and significant tax hikes.
Particularly eye-opening was his discussion with one of the Big Three U.S. automakers—GM, Ford, or Chrysler—who indicated that the tariffs could hike average car prices by up to $4,500 as early as June due to supply chain delays. Cruz explained that while American companies might face a tariff on each imported component, their foreign competitors could benefit from paying a single tariff, putting U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage.
The senator also warned that if the nation slips into a severe recession under these conditions, the political landscape could turn into a bloodbath for Republicans, especially with the 2026 midterm elections approaching. Meanwhile, some Republican voices are signaling support for enhancing Congress' authority to approve future tariffs, intensifying the debate over how best to protect American economic interests. 🚨💥
Reference(s):
Ted Cruz warns of major risks for U.S. economy due to Trump's tariffs
cgtn.com