Here’s what one Republican had to say.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) says that while Americans are seeing higher prices under President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, the economic trade-off is exactly what the country needs to protect jobs, rebuild manufacturing, and stand up to foreign competitors.
“Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain”
Appearing on Fox News, Norman — whose family runs a construction business — acknowledged that prices for materials like timber and steel have gone up. “Yes, it’s higher,” he said. “But it’s for the good of the country.”
Norman, now campaigning for South Carolina’s governorship, argued that under Biden, the U.S. became overly reliant on foreign nations that slapped heavy taxes on American exports while freely selling their goods in U.S. markets. He warned that this imbalance was unsustainable, calling it “a cancer” on the nation’s economy. “We can’t keep running massive monthly deficits,” he stressed, adding that President Trump’s approach is exactly what the country needs to fix the problem.
Trump’s Tariffs Reshape Global Trade
President Trump’s latest round of “reciprocal tariffs” took effect Thursday, hitting dozens of countries. Nearly all imports will now face a 10% tariff, with some — like Syria — slapped with 41%, and others, including South Korea and Japan, facing 15%.
The goal, Norman says, is simple: restore fairness to trade deals, put American workers first, and ensure foreign countries can no longer exploit U.S. markets.
Polls Don’t Tell the Whole Story
When asked about a recent poll showing 55% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, Norman dismissed the numbers. “Poll numbers go up and down, but the bottom line is he’s doing the right thing,” he said. “Things will get better here.”
Standing Up for American Strength
Norman’s message mirrors President Trump’s economic vision — that protecting U.S. jobs and rebuilding industry means refusing to back down from tough negotiations, even if it means short-term price hikes. Supporters argue that this approach will ultimately strengthen the dollar, secure America’s independence from foreign supply chains, and bring manufacturing jobs back home.