'Throwing Mud Against The Wall': U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton Blasts President Trump's Tariffs

SALEM, MA — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) blasted President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs announced on Wednesday, as actions that would cause "inflation to skyrocket" and amount to "throwing mud against the wall."

Moulton released the statement after Trump announced the long-expected tariffs, which include a 34 percent tax on imports from China and 20 percent tax on the European Union, along with a 10 percent tariff on imports from all other countries.

Trump said the tariffs were designed to boost domestic manufacturing and said they are in response to years of other countries pillaging and plundering the United States.

But the U.S. Senate fired back on Wednesday night, passing a resolution that would thwart the president's ability to impose tariffs on Canada, according to the Associated Press. The Senate resolution passed by a 51-48 vote tally, with four Republicans and all Democrats in support.

"Strong trading relationships with our allies give Americans access to a wider variety of goods at lower prices, from our cars to laptops to dishwashers," Moulton said. "But pulling up the drawbridge with haphazard tariffs isn't some quick fix for the economy. The burden will fall directly on American businesses, and on us, American consumers."

Moulton allowed there is "legitimate debate about tariffs as an economic and negotiating strategy" but called Trump's across-the-board tariffs "closer to throwing mud against the wall than well-targeted shots."

"Americans deserve an economic plan that brings down the cost of living, creates and protects good jobs, and holds big corporations accountable," Moulton said. "Chaotic protectionist policies won't get us there."