Gov. Scott Walker, R-Wis., called on President Donald Trump to "reconsider" his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, maintaining the policy would adversely affect American businesses, causing the possibility some companies might opt to "move their operations to another country."
"Ironically, the American companies who will feel the negative impact of tariffs can actually move their operations to another country, such as Canada," Walker said in a statement, The Hill reported Friday.
"This scenario would lead to the exact opposite outcome of the administration's stated objective, which is to protect American jobs," Walker added. "With this in mind, I respectfully ask the President and his administration to reconsider their position on these tariffs."
Trump on Thursday announced the tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, using a law that allows a president to render tariffs on imports if they are deemed a threat to national security.
The president reiterated his decision in a series of tweets Friday, saying:
Other Republican lawmakers also criticized Trump's move on tariffs, with Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse calling the plan "kooky," saying it was sure to be a lose-lose proposition.
"Trade wars are never won. Trade wars are lost by both sides," Sasse said in a statement Friday.
"Kooky 18th century protectionism will jack up prices on American families — and will prompt retaliation from other countries," Sasse continued. "Make no mistake: If the president goes through with this, it will kill American jobs — that's what every trade war ultimately does. So much losing."
As for within the Trump administration, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Friday said tariffs on aluminum and steel were "no big deal," adding, "This is not the first time we put tariffs on steel."
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