Michigan Democrats Decry Lasting Damage from Trump Tariffs

One year after 'Liberation Day' tariff announcements, state leaders highlight economic toll on families and businesses

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty factory or warehouse interior, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying the somber mood and economic toll of the Trump administration's tariffs on Michigan.The lingering economic shadows cast by Trump's tariffs continue to loom over Michigan's manufacturing and industrial communities.Ann Arbor Today

One year after President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement of heavy tariffs on countries around the world, Michigan Democrats are criticizing the lasting negative impacts those tariffs have had on the state. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and State Rep. Jason Morgan condemned the tariffs for costing American households an average of $1,750 and contributing to the loss of 89,000 manufacturing jobs and 125,000 transportation and warehouse jobs in Michigan. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also issued an executive directive calling for state agencies to report on the tariffs' damage and help businesses seek refunds.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's tariffs were a major policy initiative that have had significant economic consequences, particularly in manufacturing-heavy states like Michigan. As the one-year anniversary of the tariff announcements approaches, Democratic leaders in the state are using the moment to highlight the harms the tariffs have caused for working families, small businesses, and the broader economy.

The details

In a press conference, Rep. Dingell said the tariffs have 'cost American households $1,750 on average' and that 96% of the tariffs have been borne by U.S. consumers. State Rep. Morgan added that families are 'on track to pay hundreds more this year, potentially thousands' due to the higher costs. Dingell also noted that Michigan has lost 89,000 manufacturing jobs and 125,000 transportation and warehouse jobs since the tariffs were implemented. Gov. Whitmer's executive directive calls for state agencies to examine the tariffs' impacts and help businesses seek refunds, after she previously ordered an initial review that found declines in agricultural exports and higher prices.

  • On April 2, 2026, it marked one year since President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcements.
  • In July 2025, Gov. Whitmer issued an initial executive directive to start examining the impacts of Trump's tariffs.

The players

Debbie Dingell

U.S. Representative for Michigan's 12th congressional district.

Jason Morgan

Michigan State Representative for the 53rd district, which includes Ann Arbor.

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor of the state of Michigan.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are one year into President Trump's tariffs regime, and it's been a year of rising costs for working families. It's been a year of manufacturing job losses and financial blows to American small businesses.”

— Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative

“It's not over. Families are on track to pay hundreds more this year, potentially thousands, if Trump is successful in continuing these types of reckless policies at a time when people are already stretched thin, we are making it more expensive just to get by. That's not okay.”

— Jason Morgan, Michigan State Representative

“The president's tariffs have jacked up costs, and Michiganders have been paying the price. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that these tariffs are illegal, it's time for Michiganders to get their money back.”

— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

What’s next

Gov. Whitmer's executive directive calls for state agencies to submit reports on the tariffs' impacts within the next 60 days, which will help inform efforts to get refunds for Michigan businesses and consumers.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's tariffs have taken a significant economic toll on Michigan, contributing to job losses, higher costs for families, and financial strain on small businesses. One year later, Democratic leaders in the state are using this anniversary to highlight the lasting damage and push for refunds and policy changes to mitigate the harm.