WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Ben Sasse is attacking President Donald Trump over his comments that trade wars are “easy to win.”
The Nebraska Republican lashed out at Trump’s defense of placing new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. In a statement, Sasse says: “Trade wars are never won. Trade wars are lost by both sides.”
Sasse continues: “Kooky 18th century protectionism will jack up prices on American families — and will prompt retaliation from other countries. 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.”
Trump declared Thursday that the U.S. will impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The announcement escalated tensions with trading partners and stocks closed sharply lower on Wall Street.