Gov. Evers bashes Trump's tariffs, asks Congress to 'do something'

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers was highly critical of Republicans in Congress for not fighting back against the Trump administration's newly imposed tariffs, which he said will have a "significant" impact on the state's economy.

"I'm just so disappointed in Congress," Evers said during a WisPolitics event in Madison. "If Congress thought this through for two minutes, they'd understand how bad tariffs are. It's going to be hell to pay."

Tuesday morning, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on nearly all goods imported from Mexico and Canada. The U.S. also added a 10% tariff on imports from China in addition to those already in place, raising them to 20%.

Evers called out members of Wisconsin's Republican delegation in Congress and accused them of not doing enough to protect the state's economy from the effect of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

"At the end of the day, we've got to get Congress to do something," he said. "Our country cannot afford to have an executive branch, judicial branch and not a legislative branch. It just can't work and it's not working."

Evers added the tariffs will "crush" the state's dairy and agriculture industry, which brings in billions for the state each year.

Wisconsin's dairy industry generates more than $50 billion in economic impact, nearly half of the state's total agriculture revenue.

Many Republicans have stood by Trump's decision to impose tariffs, while others expressed uncertainty.

Rep. Bryan Steil told CBS 58 he expects the president to talk about tariffs during his primetime speech to Congress.

"I think what we'll hear is how these are being utilized as a tool," said Steil. "I think in the long term, we have an opportunity to bring them down. I think the president is negotiating on moving forward in the best interests in the United States."

Senator Ron Johnson said he's "concerned" about the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

Evers Pitches Hiring Federal Workers

The Democratic governor also said his administration will be working to help fired federal workers find jobs in Wisconsin.

Evers told reporters his office will be doing outreach to offer those workers positions in state government.

It comes after thousands of workers were laid off as part of the federal government's restructuring initiative, known as DOGE.

Evers also predicted it will be "very difficult" to craft a state budget due to the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's policies and push to pause federal funded programs.

Last week, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos cast doubts on whether anticipated cuts to the federal government would impact the state budget-writing process.