One year after President Donald Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs, Congresswoman Shontel Brown is sharply criticizing the policy, calling it a “complete disaster” for American families and businesses.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Brown said in a video posted to Instagram. “Trump’s tariffs have made life worse for the American people.”
Her remarks come as she reflects on the economic impact of the tariffs introduced last year, which she says triggered rising costs, job losses, and increased financial strain across multiple sectors.
Rising Costs and Economic Strain
According to Brown, the tariffs have had a direct impact on household expenses. She cited estimates showing that the average American household paid more than $1,700 extra over the past year due to increased costs on everyday goods.
“That’s what happens when you make everything from food to clothing to equipment more expensive,” she said.
The tariffs, originally framed as a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports, have instead had the opposite effect, Brown argued.
Job Losses and Industry Impact
Brown pointed to significant job losses in the manufacturing sector, stating that 83,000 jobs were lost in 2025 alone. She also highlighted a broader economic downturn, including an 11% increase in bankruptcies — the highest level since 2019.
For farmers, the situation is even more severe.
“Farm bankruptcies are up 46%, and 15,000 farms have closed nationwide,” she said, underscoring the ripple effects across rural communities.
Local Impact in Ohio
Speaking from her home state, Brown criticized the cancellation of federal funding for manufacturing support centers, including MAGNET in Cleveland. These centers, she noted, played a key role in sustaining local industries and supporting small manufacturers.
“These were the centers that support thousands of local manufacturers, and Trump pulled the plug on them,” she said.
Call for Policy Reversal
Brown is now urging a reversal of the tariff policies and a renewed focus on lowering costs and restoring economic support programs.
“Liberation Day was a disaster,” she said. “Work with us to lower costs and restore our local manufacturing funding.”
Her comments add to the ongoing national debate over trade policy and its real-world consequences, particularly as economic pressures continue to affect households and industries alike.
