Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE: A prominent moderate within the Democratic Party is sounding the alarm about what he perceives as a troubling trend in trade policy.
Representative Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine, has openly expressed concerns that his party is moving in the wrong direction on trade issues. This sentiment emerged during a recent interview with Fox News Digital, where he addressed President Donald Trump’s newly proposed tariffs.
Golden noted that he had previously championed a 10% universal tariff proposal, aligning with Trump’s push for a baseline duty on all imports. He emphasized that such tariffs could serve as a crucial mechanism for economic reform.
In response to inquiries about how his tariff stance is viewed among fellow Democrats, Golden remarked, “I think that they are moving in the wrong direction when it comes to trade.” His observations reflect a significant division within the party on economic policies.
According to Golden, the current reactions among Democrats seem somewhat reactive to presidential policies rather than being based on long-term economic strategies. He explained, “I think it’s been a knee-jerk reaction to the president.”
Reflecting on his formative years in the party, Golden recalled that it historically emphasized caution regarding international trade frameworks like the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement. He expressed disappointment that the party has shifted from this foundational stance.
“It has kind of, I think, had a sudden movement in the opposite direction, and that’s unfortunate,” he said. Golden urged his party to consider the broader implications of trade policies on rural communities and working-class individuals, particularly in areas hardest hit by previous trade agreements.
He maintained that the ongoing debate surrounding trade fundamentally began in the 1990s and is not solely linked to Trump’s administration. Golden’s independence on trade issues has distinguished him within the Democratic caucus, particularly on matters such as border security and student loan relief under President Biden’s tenure.
In the 2024 election, Golden narrowly retained his seat in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, winning by less than 1%. Notably, Trump had won that same district by a 10% margin, indicating a unique political landscape in that area.
Golden expressed satisfaction that Trump’s tariff proposal aligns with his ideas for a universal tax on foreign goods. He conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with Trump’s administration, stating, “I’m eager to work with the president to fix the broken ‘free trade’ system that made multinational corporations rich but ruined manufacturing communities across the country. However, tariffs must be paired with policies that prioritize American families’ prosperity.”
As discussions surrounding tariffs evolve, Golden pointed out that while Trump has introduced various new tariff policies, he will need ample time to analyze these measures thoroughly before making further judgments.
Trump’s trade strategy includes not only a 10% blanket tariff on all imports but also reciprocal tariffs potentially reaching nearly 50% for both allies and adversaries. These measures aim to reshape American trade dynamics, but their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen.
Golden emphasized the necessity of ensuring that any new trade approach ultimately benefits working individuals. This involves a multi-faceted strategy supporting unions, trade programs, and apprenticeship initiatives, in addition to eliminating unnecessary regulations that hinder production. He stressed the importance of harnessing tariff revenues to bolster domestic manufacturers that generate well-paying jobs for Americans.
“Tariffs are a first step in rewriting a rigged trade system, but they cannot be the last one,” he concluded, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of trade policies that prioritize the welfare of American workers.
Golden’s critique of his party’s trade trajectory serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Democrats in addressing complex economic issues. As the political landscape continues to shift, the debate over tariffs and trade policy is likely to remain at the forefront of national discussions.
