A moderate Democrat is showing a surprising level of optimism regarding President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies, standing out from the majority of his party members who are largely critical. Representative Jared Golden from Maine expressed his satisfaction with the president’s approach, noting that he himself advocated for a 10% blanket tariff on U.S. imports earlier this year.
In a recent statement, Golden said, “I’m pleased the president is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10% tariff like the one I proposed in the BUILT USA Act. This is an important step towards addressing our trade deficits and protecting the American economy.”
Golden emphasized the need for tariffs to work in tandem with other policies that benefit American families. He highlighted the necessity of focusing on American workers by supporting unions, expanding trade skills training, reducing unnecessary regulations, and promoting domestic energy production. “Tariffs are just the beginning of reforming a flawed trade system, but more action is needed to ensure they positively impact working people,” he added.
While his views are not a full endorsement of Trump’s policies, Golden’s remarks reflect a more hopeful stance compared to his fellow Democrats, who are generally more disapproving of the tariff plan. Notably, Golden’s district in Maine backed Trump in the 2024 election by a significant margin, which could explain his different perspective.
Meanwhile, other Democratic representatives, like Debbie Dingell from Michigan, have expressed concern about the manner in which these tariffs are being rolled out. Dingell insists that if tariffs are to be effective, they must be implemented strategically.
In a related development, Representative Gregory Meeks of New York announced plans to propose legislation aimed at challenging Trump’s use of a national emergency to justify the blanket 10% tariff. Meeks stated, “It’s time for Republicans to stand up and address the economic consequences that these tariffs might have on their constituents.”
Golden’s balanced view, advocating for the American workforce while supporting essential reforms, resonates with a growing need to reevaluate trade policies, ensuring they prioritize the prosperity of American families. As the debate continues, it will be interesting to see how these discussions evolve within Congress.
