ICYMI: Small Business Owner Michael Howard III Warns About The Cost Of Donald Trump’s Tariffs on Small Businesses
Last week, President Trump tried to follow through on his threats to start a unilateral trade war with our closest ally. Though tariffs have been paused for now, how much longer must Michigan businesses fear from the potential impacts of pending tariffs.
Michiganders are first on the front lines of Trump’s new trade war since the tariff order targets the neighboring country of Canada, which has already begun retaliation meaning higher costs for consumers. As the administration takes further steps to raise domestic revenue, Congressional Republicans, like John James and Tom Barrett, have yet to talk to constituents about their plans to rubber stamp Trump’s trillion-dollar tax cut for billionaires and make Michiganders foot the bill.
Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard III sat down with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to give the American business owner’s perspective on one of the most important issues facing Michiganders: the rising costs brought about by the Trump Administration’s tariffs. Howard shares an insightful warning for consumers: businesses cannot afford these tariffs.
Macomb County Commissioner Michael Howard III
“Small business owners across Michigan will have to make hard decisions as they adjust their bottom line. With smaller margins as a result of increased prices from suppliers, businesses will have to adjust their prices, and adjust their overhead. This is a self-inflicted error [by this administration]. They are not being careful with how they are implementing broad policies. The working class is paying the price. ”
These interviews underscore the impact of Trump’s trade wars on Michigan small businesses, as Republicans continue to find ways to justify their plans for more tax cuts for the wealthy.
Check out some excerpts here:
CBC: “Trump Says He's Putting Money Back In The Pockets Of Americans. Is He? | Hanomansing Tonight.”
[CBC, 3/5/25]
CBC: “Trump Tariffs Divide Many Americans.”
[CBC, 3/4/25]
HOWARD: “I pulled up at a pump the other day and saw someone put $1.26 on the pump. For some folks a 25% increase on that could mean making it or not.
HOWARD: “I think [the tariffs] are completely reckless.”
