1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding your support for the ongoing trade war and the associated tariffs. History has repeatedly shown that trade wars are detrimental to economic growth, harm consumers, and create long-term instability for businesses and workers. Throughout history, trade wars have consistently failed to achieve their intended goals while causing significant collateral damage. For example, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods, exacerbated the Great Depression by stifling international trade and provoking retaliatory measures from other nations. Global trade plummeted, unemployment soared, and the U.S. economy suffered for years as a result. Similarly, more recent trade disputes, such as the U.S.-Japan trade tensions in the 1980s, demonstrated that tariffs and protectionist policies often harm domestic industries more than they help. While intended to protect American manufacturers, these measures led to higher costs for businesses, increased prices for consumers, and strained diplomatic relations. The current trade war follows this same troubling pattern. Tariffs have increased costs for U.S. companies, making them less competitive in the global market. Consumers are facing higher prices for everyday goods, and farmers and manufacturers are struggling to maintain access to international markets due to retaliatory tariffs. These policies have also contributed to inflationary pressures, further burdening American families already grappling with rising costs of living. As your constituent, I am deeply troubled by your continued support for policies that have historically failed to deliver positive outcomes. Trade wars do not foster economic growth or protect American jobs; instead, they create uncertainty, disrupt supply chains, and place an unnecessary burden on hardworking Americans. I urge you to reconsider your position and advocate for trade policies that prioritize diplomacy, cooperation, and fair competition. It is essential to support measures that strengthen our economy without resorting to punitive tariffs that harm both domestic and global markets. I hope you will take this opportunity to reflect on the lessons of history and work toward solutions that benefit all Americans, not just a select few. I look forward to your response and hope to see a shift in your approach to trade policy.