U.S. News
AOC’s Arguments on Tariffs Don’t Check Out
Clear Facts
- President Trump threatened tariffs on Colombian imports in response to Colombia’s refusal to accept deported nationals.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the tariffs, claiming they would lead to inflation in the U.S.
- Colombia quickly conceded to Trump’s demands, highlighting the potential impact of the tariffs on their economy.
In a recent political skirmish, President Trump demonstrated his commitment to prioritizing American interests by threatening significant tariffs on Colombian imports. This move came after President Gustavo Petro of Colombia refused to accept deported Colombians from the United States. In response, Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, escalating to 50% if the situation was not resolved within a week. Additionally, he suggested revoking travel visas for Colombian politicians, effectively barring them from visiting the U.S.
The rapid capitulation by President Petro, who even offered his personal plane to assist in deportations, underscores the leverage such tariffs can have. This swift turnaround highlights the economic dependency Colombia has on the U.S., particularly in sectors like cut flowers, where a significant portion of their exports are destined for American markets.
However, not everyone is on board with Trump’s strategy. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced her concerns, claiming that the tariffs would lead to increased costs for American consumers. She stated on social media, “To ‘punish’ Colombia, Trump is about to make every American pay even more for coffee,” and added, “Remember: *WE* pay the tariffs, not Colombia.”
Such statements reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of how tariffs function. Tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers to buy locally. In this case, the tariffs could potentially revitalize American flower nurseries, which have suffered under free trade agreements that favored cheaper Colombian imports.
The history of U.S.-Colombia trade relations is a cautionary tale of globalization’s impact on local economies. The free trade agreement pushed through in 2008 eliminated tariffs on Colombian imports, devastating American flower producers. Once a thriving industry along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, it has now become a shadow of its former self.
Ocasio-Cortez continued her critique, claiming, “Trump is all about making inflation WORSE for working class Americans, not better,” and accused him of benefiting the wealthy elite. Yet, Trump’s actions are aimed at restoring opportunities for American businesses and workers. By imposing tariffs, he seeks to level the playing field and give domestic industries a fighting chance.
Ultimately, the tariff debate is about more than just economic strategy; it’s about reclaiming American industry and jobs lost to global trade deals. While Colombia may have avoided immediate tariffs, the message is clear: the U.S. is ready to protect its economic interests. This approach could pave the way for a resurgence in American flower nurseries and other industries previously undermined by unbalanced trade agreements.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Daniel
January 29, 2025 at 6:16 am
Personally. I think AOC is a misguided nutjob. Certainly she is entitled to her opinions, as am I, but the citizens of Colombia are their responsibility, not ours. Trump’s job, as the recent elections show, is to watch out for and protect American citizens. I support Trump’s position completely.
Ben Jr
January 29, 2025 at 6:41 am
Nothing that this communist wench says checks out or makes any sense! She needs to go back to checking out bar patrons cause that’s the only thing she’s good for and I can’t say she was ever good at that either
Ben Jr
January 29, 2025 at 6:42 am
In fact, the only people that are dumber than she is are the ones that voted for her!
Rick
January 29, 2025 at 7:37 am
AOC is the face of the dumb incompetent democrat group of ignorant democrat politicians! They are totally clueless about what the American people want and need and care more for people who live in other countries!
Paul Desillier
January 29, 2025 at 8:27 am
What do you expect from an economics major that could only get a job as a bartender. She did find the goose that laid the golden egg in her new scam of a job in congress. She is now worth over 24 million dollars. Maybe you can buy everyone a Columbian coffee.
Patrick Leboeuf
January 29, 2025 at 10:45 am
Every time I read about AOC, I am so dumbfounded at what comes out of her mouth. Someone should gag her with a mouth full of peanut butter. Pass the aspirin, please
Josh Stern
January 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Someone tell horse face to keep her feed bag on….the idiocy that spews from her mouth….is stunning in its stupidity and hilarity….she never fails to amuse.
JEFF JONES
January 29, 2025 at 6:16 pm
AOC belongs on death row for treason and murder!
Ron
January 29, 2025 at 8:27 pm
Whenever anyone says horseface I think they are referring to Greene. Glad to see she doesn’t have a monopoly.
If one cares to analyze, AOC is correct. Tariffs only hurt consumers as the tariff is passed to the seller who just raises prices to the consumer. Trump is a one trick pony (horse’s ass?) The only thing he yells is tariff. Time for something thoughtful from the Old Man.
Mike
January 29, 2025 at 9:31 pm
This horse faced moron has a room temperature IQ and a 350 credit score and she expects you to take advice from her? Hahaha what a freaking joke!