Letter to the Editor: Tariffs are a hidden tax

April 2 marked “Liberation Day” according to Donald Trump. Most of us have heard that tariffs will temporarily raise the price of some goods, but it’ll be for the best. We’re told they’ll level the playing field, bring jobs back to America, and so on.

What we haven’t been told is tariffs are essentially a hidden tax. A tax in disguise largely borne by lower income families and seniors like me who can’t change our “economic behavior” to ride out Trump’s storm.

Businesses can’t or won’t absorb the increases incurred by Trump’s tariffs – that burden is shifted to consumers. And the money collected by tariffs go into the coffers of the federal government. I think it’s safe to say that’s money that won’t be going into our pockets anytime soon.

Trump likes to talk about trade imbalances or other countries not paying their fair share. Don’t be hoodwinked. If his crusade is left unchecked, we’ll Make Americans Give Away (our savings, retirement, our livelihoods). Remember, tariffs are a tax on imported goods that are paid by the importers. Which they pass on to us, the consumers in increased prices. Therefore, we are paying the tax!

Mark Covington

Clive