During a Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation hearing, Sean O’Brien, president of the Teamsters union, publicly endorsed President Trump’s tariff policies. O’Brien argued that these tariffs could have positive effects on the working class by supporting domestic manufacturing and protecting American jobs. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding domestic industries from foreign competition, which he believes could lead to increased job security and higher wages for workers.
While the union’s support for tariffs aligns with the administration’s stance, it has sparked debates among economists about the long-term economic impacts. Some argue that while tariffs may provide short-term benefits to specific sectors, they could lead to higher consumer prices and potential trade wars. Nonetheless, O’Brien remains optimistic about the policies’ ability to strengthen the U.S. economy and enhance the livelihoods of workers.