Pence Slams Trump For His Tariffs Costing Manufacturing Jobs: ‘Time to Get Back to Free Trade’
(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Monday took aim at President Donald Trump’s tariffs in response to a report about recent layoffs.
The day before, The Wall Street Journal editorial staff published an opinion piece titled “A Deere in the Tariff Headlights.” It largely focuses on the farm equipment manufacturer John Deere and the impact that tariffs have had on the company. According to the article, the company made the decision to cut 238 jobs at three of its factories in Iowa — and it specifically cited the tariffs as a primary reason for the move:
The farm equipment maker is an American manufacturer that Republicans say tariffs will help. Maybe not. The Moline, Ill., company is laying off 238 workers at three factories in Moline, East Moline, and Waterloo, Iowa, in the coming weeks.
This month the company reported a 26% drop in net income and 9% decline in sales, owing to lower commodity prices and higher tariffs. “Tariff costs in the quarter were approximately $200 million, which brings us to roughly $300 million in tariff expense year to date,” said director of investor relations Josh Beal.
In a tweet posted Monday morning, Pence included a link to the article and reaffirmed his opposition to Trump’s tariff strategy.
“American Companies and American Consumers Pay the Cost of American Tariffs,” Pence said. “Time to Get Back to Free Trade with Free Nations!” Pence, who has criticized the more populist and less conservative policies of Trump, refused to endorse his former boss in the 2024 presidential race, but has been friendly with him since.
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