Utah leaders have mixed reactions to Trump tariffs

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders expressed a mixture of concern and support about major tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and the economic impact they could have on the state. Those tariffs, which sent the stock market plunging, were announced Wednesday as part of what the White House called “liberation day.” Trump said the import taxes on countries around the world would make global trade fairer and increase domestic manufacturing. “For sure, Utahns are going to feel it,” Gov. Spencer Cox told KSL.com Thursday. “Americans are going to feel it. There will definitely be increases in prices.” Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, echoed that concern. “Like the president, I want better trade relationships,” Curtis said in a statement to KSL TV. “But as a former business owner, I know tariffs are challenging—not just because of their impact, but because of the uncertainty they create. I’m also mindful of how new tariffs could drive inflation—something Utah families are already feeling.” Economists have said tariffs could hurt the global economy and increase prices for consumers. Still, Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, expressed support for the president’s move. “For decades, our trade partners have imposed tariffs on us at higher rates, which has hurt our competitive edge,” Maloy said. “The American people voted for President Trump because he promised to upend the status quo. The idea behind reciprocal tariffs is to invite our trade partners to the bargaining table and correct the current trade imbalance.” “Some seem to be operating under the assumption that we currently have free trade. In many instances, we don’t,” added Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. “If I were the leader of a foreign country with tariffs on the United States, I’d propose a free-trade agreement as soon as possible—one that truly gives us unfettered access to their markets, just as they want unfettered access to ours.” Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, told KSL TV tariffs generally “have the potential to do substantial good.” “However, the blanket approach of these reciprocal tariffs will present substantial challenges in Utah’s First District and across the nation,” Moore added, “and my team and I are working with the White House to better understand these changes, communicate back to Utah businesses, and serve as a resource during the uncertain period ahead.” Spokespersons for Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, and Burgess Owens, R-Utah, did not respond to a request for comment.

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