Bradley Fitzgerald

Staff Writer

With all the recent resurgence of tariffs, the opinion of someone who has first hand knowledge of how it can affect the people of Monroe County can provide much clarity to those in confusion.

Carlos Cubas, Vice Chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party, agreed to sit down and answer questions regarding the Trump Administration’s recent trade plan.

The questions discussed a multitude of topics many Americans have had on their mind since Trump first announced his plan on April 2. The Democratic Party’s national opposition to the contrasting Republican Party was also touched upon.

What effects do you believe the tariffs implemented by Trump will have on the American people as a whole?

“We are already seeing an increase in import prices to everyday consumers, and these tariffs were implemented despite the record high prices for many items that American citizens are already dealing with,” said Cubas.

Do you believe the president should have the ability to implement tariffs without the involvement of Congress?

“I don’t believe that any president should have the power to implement any policy or program which deeply affects the daily lives of Americans without some Congressional oversight,” said Cubas.

Do you believe the tariffs on countries such as China will lead to more jobs coming back to the United States?

“Not in the immediate future. American manufacturing has suffered many years of neglect and we will have to build the manufacturing infrastructure to support the demand for new products,” said Cubas. “We will also have to prepare and train people for these new manufacturing jobs.”

How do you feel the United States relationship with other nations on a global stage has been affected by the threat of tariffs?

“I think it has damaged our reputation as a trustworthy trading partner globally and has forced us into unnecessary trade wars, where retaliations will just cause prices to increase even more,” said Cubas.

Do you believe tariffs can be used in a strategic way to benefit the United States, and if so, is Trump using them accordingly?

“Under the old rules of economics, tariffs could be seen as having some strategic value, but the new global economy requires better methods of addressing trade deficits and more importantly how we treat major trade partners,” said Cubas. “I have no comment on this president’s actions.”

Is the uncertainty of Trump’s plans with tariffs something that Americans should worry about?

“The American people need to worry whenever any President acts with uncertainty,” said Cubas.

Do you believe the current Democrat establishment is opposing the President in a fashion that most Democrat voters would approve?

“No. The party is currently receiving its lowest rates of approval in many years, for exactly that reason,” said Cubas. “Democratic Leadership needs to be strong, united, decisive, and unrelenting in its opposition to policies that hurt or endanger the lives of American citizens and infringe upon the rights of those same people.”

How are these tariffs likely to affect Monroe County residents directly?

“We’re already experiencing the negative effects of these policies. Just look at your next grocery bill,” said Cubas.