Report: Virginians Pay $1,000 More Annually Due to Trump Tariffs

Study finds Trump's tariffs cost US households an average of $1,000 in 2025, expected to rise to $1,300 in 2026.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new study by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that President Donald Trump's tariffs raised costs for American households by an average of $1,000 in 2025, and are expected to cost households another $1,300 in 2026 if the tariffs remain in place. The report states the Trump tariffs are the largest US tax increase as a percent of GDP since 1993, and that historical evidence shows tariffs raise prices and reduce available goods and services, resulting in lower incomes, reduced employment, and lower economic output.

Why it matters

The tariffs are having a significant financial impact on Virginia households, with business owners and residents reporting the increased costs are straining their budgets. While the legality of the tariffs is being considered by the Supreme Court, Congress has so far been unable to pass legislation to end the national emergency declaration that allows the tariffs, with House Republicans blocking votes on the issue.

The details

The Tax Foundation study found that the Trump tariffs raised costs for American households by an average of $1,000 in 2025, and are expected to cost households another $1,300 in 2026 if the tariffs remain in place. The report states the tariffs are the largest US tax increase as a percent of GDP since 1993. Virginia business owners like Sabrina Mattin, owner of Wool + Loom in Fairfax County, say the tariffs on imported goods are a "real cost" that is "squeezing already thin margins" and affecting their ability to order from artisan partners. Residents like Bernita Richardson of Virginia Beach, who cares for a son with special needs and aging parents, say the higher costs are forcing them to make difficult budget cuts.

  • The Tax Foundation study was released on February 6, 2026.
  • The Trump administration first imposed the tariffs in early April 2025.
  • House Republicans passed a rule in April 2025 to temporarily block any votes on measures to end Trump's tariffs, and renewed that block in September 2025.
  • On February 10, 2026, the House narrowly voted 214-217 to reject extending the block on tariff votes, after three Republicans joined all 214 Democrats in voting no.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who imposed the tariffs that are the subject of this report.

Sabrina Mattin

The owner of Wool + Loom, a handmade rug shop in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Bernita Richardson

A Virginia Beach resident who is the primary caretaker for her son with special needs and aging parents, and is critical of Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans for voting to block votes on ending the tariffs.

Jen Kiggans

The Republican U.S. Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district, who voted for the measure to block votes on ending Trump's tariffs.

Kush Desai

A White House spokesperson who defended the tariffs in an emailed statement.

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What they’re saying

“Tariffs on imported rugs aren't an abstract economic policy; they're a real cost that shows up immediately for small, values-driven businesses like Wool + Loom. As tariffs increase, the landed cost of ethically sourced, handwoven rugs rises sharply, squeezing already thin margins and forcing difficult decisions about pricing, inventory, and how much we can order from our artisan partners.”

— Sabrina Mattin, Owner, Wool + Loom (Virginia Independent)

“As the primary caretaker for my son and my aging parents, I'm also the house manager, making sure we can stay within an already slim budget. My son has special needs, and my parents require 24/7 care, and we live on a fixed income. There's no room for extras, and lately it seems like I keep making cuts to my budget while billionaires continue to get cuts to their taxes. I wish my representative would stand up for families like mine so that we don't have to squeeze blood from a stone.”

— Bernita Richardson, Virginia Beach Resident (Affordable Virginia)

“America's average tariff rate has increased by nearly sevenfold in the past year — while inflation has actually cooled, real wages have risen, GDP growth has accelerated, and trillions in investments continue pouring in to make and hire in America. Panicans need to come to terms with the fact that President Trump continues to be proven right on tariffs.”

— Kush Desai, White House Spokesperson (Email Statement)

What’s next

With the GOP leaders' rule against voting to end Trump's tariffs now expired, House Democrats reportedly plan to force several votes on bills to repeal them. If they pass in the House and Senate, Trump is likely to veto them. Democrats would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers to override Trump's veto, making a tariff repeal unlikely.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's tariffs are having a significant financial impact on Virginia households, with business owners and residents reporting the increased costs are straining their budgets. While efforts are underway to repeal the tariffs, the political landscape makes it challenging, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of tariffs in the US economy.