Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a potential 2028 presidential contender, urged Democratic governors to focus on criticizing President Donald Trump’s trade agenda, rather than trying to combat the tariffs directly. Beshear argued that Democrats lack significant power in shaping international trade policies, which are federal matters.
Beshear pointed out that while he warned Canadian officials about the negative impact of tariffs on his state’s economy, including bourbon and auto industries, he acknowledged the limited scope for governors to influence the situation. He emphasized the importance of a public information campaign against Trump’s trade agenda, highlighting how the president promised to lower costs but may instead make life more expensive for Americans.
Beshear stressed that every economist agrees that across-the-board tariffs are unwise and will not lead to the desired investments. In contrast, targeted tariffs can be effective in addressing specific issues, such as China dumping steel on the US market. However, he also cautioned against using tariffs as a means to force investment, which can take years.
Beshear expressed concern over the potential impact of the auto tariffs on the Toyota manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, where the president’s policies may increase production but also cause pain for consumers. He urged Americans to speak out and share their experiences with the negative consequences of Trump’s trade agenda, emphasizing that it is a growing movement.
The governor believes that Republican support for Trump may be eroding due to the increasing economic costs imposed by his tariffs. With stock market fluctuations and Trump’s continued commitment to imposing tariffs on China, Beshear expects this issue to become a turning point in the debate over Trump’s policies.
Ultimately, Beshear emphasized the importance of collective action from all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, to address the negative consequences of Trump’s trade agenda.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/08/andy-beshear-trump-tariffs-interview-031819