The Kamala Harris Tariff Controversy
In her public speeches and campaign events, Vice President Kamala Harris frequently criticizes former President Donald Trump for allegedly planning to increase taxes on Americans. During their debate in Philadelphia on September 10, she stated, “My opponent has a scheme that I refer to as the Trump sales tax, which would impose a 20% tax on essential goods that families depend on each month. Economists have indicated that this sales tax could cost middle-class households an additional $4,000 annually.”
At a recent rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Harris reiterated her stance: “He aims to implement what I term the Trump sales tax on basic necessities, which would burden the average American family with nearly $4,000 more each year.” Similarly, at another event in Charlotte, she remarked: “He seeks to establish what is essentially a national sales tax. I label it the Trump sales tax because it targets everyday essentials and economists estimate it will cost families around $4,000 extra per year.”
Understanding the Misrepresentation
It’s important to clarify that Trump has not proposed a national sales tax; rather, Harris is referring to his tariff proposals aimed primarily at China—policies reminiscent of those he enacted during his presidency. However, upon taking office alongside President Joe Biden, Harris chose to maintain these tariffs instead of abolishing them. Just last week while she was denouncing what she calls the “Trump sales tax,” her administration was actively increasing these very tariffs.
A headline from The New York Times read: “Biden Administration Increases Tariffs on Chinese Goods.” The new measures introduced by Biden and Harris are set to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports valued at tens of billions of dollars across various sectors including clothing and electric vehicles—products often sold at significantly lower prices than their American counterparts.
Tariff Review Findings
Simultaneously with raising tariffs again last week, the Biden-Harris administration released an anticipated review regarding previous tariffs imposed by Trump’s administration starting in 2018. Those expecting this report would criticize Trump’s policies were likely left disappointed.
The findings concluded that Trump’s tariffs had effectively reduced U.S. vulnerability to detrimental trade practices from China and recommended their continuation. Furthermore, it noted that these tariffs had prompted U.S. companies to diversify their sourcing away from China; indeed China’s share of U.S imports dropped from 21.6% in 2017 down to 13.7% by 2023.
Questioning Consistency
This raises questions about Harris’s claims regarding the so-called ”Trump sales tax.” If these tariffs are indeed detrimental as she suggests—why does her administration continue implementing them? A reporter recently posed this question during a press briefing with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre who asserted that they were protecting American workers while simultaneously reducing trade deficits with China.
When pressed further about how these new measures differ fundamentally from Trump’s proposals or whether they constitute a de facto sales tax affecting everyday purchases for consumers Jean-Pierre maintained focus on worker protection without addressing how they might be perceived as similar taxation.
Diverging Perspectives on Tariffs
This exchange highlights an uncomfortable truth for the White House: they cannot convincingly argue that current tariff policies diverge significantly from those established under Trump because they do not—and if they do represent increased costs for consumers then Biden and Harris have effectively raised taxes themselves.
Opinions surrounding tariff policies vary widely between advocates of free trade versus protectionist approaches; however here lies an essential point: Vice President Harris criticizes Trump for actions mirrored by her own administration daily—a sentiment echoed humorously when Trump remarked during their debate about sending her a MAGA hat due to her alignment with his philosophy.
In conclusion—the ongoing discourse surrounding tariff policy reveals complexities within political rhetoric where accusations may not align seamlessly with actual governance practices.
Graduated from University of Denver, Residing in Dallas, Texas. Political observer and a Conservative. Follow on Twitter for more.
