By: IndoUS Tribune Staff

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s latest economic policies, denouncing the newly imposed “Liberation Day” tariffs and significant budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Krishnamoorthi warns that these measures will place undue financial strain on working families, weaken public health programs, and push the U.S. economy closer to a downturn.

Tariffs: A burden on American families and businesses

Responding to Trump’s sweeping tariff plan—which enforces a universal 10% tax on all imported goods while imposing steep levies of up to 34% on key trading partners—Krishnamoorthi criticized the move as reckless and economically damaging.

“These latest so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs are an unnecessary financial burden on Illinois families and small businesses,” Krishnamoorthi stated. “Rather than strengthening our economy, they will drive up prices, hurt job growth, and jeopardize our economic and security partnerships with key allies like India.”

India, which now faces a 26% tariff on exports to the U.S., has expressed concerns over the policy’s impact on trade and diplomatic ties. Krishnamoorthi emphasized that this tariff structure could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for American consumers, and create economic instability at a time when inflation remains a major concern.

While the Trump administration has framed the tariffs as a means to correct trade imbalances and boost domestic manufacturing, economic experts have warned of the potential for retaliatory tariffs from China, the European Union, and other key trading partners, exacerbating global trade tensions.

Public health funding slashed amid growing concerns

Beyond economic policy, Krishnamoorthi also condemned deep budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, which include plans to eliminate 10,000 jobs and significantly reduce funding for essential public health programs.

“The Trump Administration’s decision to gut the Department of Health and Human Services is both reckless and dangerous,” Krishnamoorthi said. “From slashing resources for senior care to limiting early childhood education programs, these cuts will leave millions of Americans vulnerable.”

Among the hardest-hit areas are Head Start programs, which provide early education and nutrition services to low-income families. The proposed closures of Head Start centers in cities like Chicago would leave thousands of children without access to vital resources.

Additionally, the cuts would impact food safety regulations, medical research funding, and drug approval processes—areas critical to public health and safety. Experts warn that reduced funding for infectious disease research could slow responses to potential health crises.

Political and economic fallout

With both the tariffs and public service cuts drawing widespread criticism, Krishnamoorthi is urging lawmakers and the public to push back against these policies.

“I urge every American who values these essential services and economic partnerships to demand an immediate reversal of these harmful actions,” he stated. “We must prioritize working families, our global partnerships, and our long-term economic stability over short-sighted political maneuvers.”

As the 2024 presidential election nears, Trump’s trade and economic policies are expected to become central issues in the national debate. While his administration continues to advocate for an “America First” approach, critics argue that these measures could ultimately backfire, driving up consumer costs, weakening diplomatic ties, and undermining critical public services.

The IndoUS Tribune will continue to monitor the evolving impact of these policies on U.S.-India relations and the broader global economy.