6 days Ago By DAVID ERICKSON [email protected]
Although the last week was extremely stressful for anyone with a retirement savings plan linked to the stock market, which swung wildly and alarmed most economists, Montana's delegation to U.S. Congress remains steadfast in their defense of President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade strategy.
It was one of the most volatile weeks in Wall Street history, according to national news reports. Trump had announced sweeping tariffs on imports from countries across the world on April 2, causing markets to tumble . Then this past Wednesday, Trump backtracked and announced a 90-day pause on some of his high reciprocal tariffs, although he announced higher tariffs on China.
Stocks have climbed back up, but they've been swinging wildly. Many economists were bewildered and alarmed , but Trump and his administration have remained committed. President Donald Trump speaks during an event with auto racing champions at the South Portico of the White House April 9, in Washington.
The Missoulian asked all four of Montana's federal delegation several questions about Trump's tariffs and whether they think the executive branch has too much power in determining American economic policy. None of them answered the latter question, and none of them directly or specifically answered all the questions, but all four did send statements to the Missoulian about the issue: Congressman Ryan Zinke, who represents the western half of Montana in the U.S.
House: "America must be independent," Zinke said. "We cannot afford to rely on adversaries or even allies for energy, critical minerals, technology, or food security. President Trump is leading the largest resurgence in American industry in decades, much of it driven by strategic tariffs that level the playing field.
For too long, unfair trade practices have undercut American workers and manufacturers, but these tariffs are restoring balance." "That said, Montana has a deep and longstanding trade relationship with Canada and other partners. While these tariffs are necessary to secure America’s position in global trade, they should be temporary and strategically targeted.
The goal is not prolonged disruption but a shakeup that ensures fair competition, boosts Made in America industries and ultimately benefits Montanans and all Americans.” Congressman Troy Downing, who represents the eastern half of Montana in the U.S.
House of Representatives: “For years, America has been taken advantage of by our trading partners, kneecapping our exporters and moving jobs offshore," Downing said. "President Trump’s policies have brought more than 75 countries to the negotiating table to correct this imbalance that is cheating Montanans, from cattlemen to coal miners, out of a fair shake. Rest assured, my mind is always on our producers, especially those whose inputs may be affected by tariffs.
I look forward to the days ahead as America First trade policy brings historic investment and job growth to the United States.” Sen. Tim Sheehy: “Montanans voted to restore American strength and put America First, and that’s exactly what they’re getting," Sheehy said.
"President Trump is a tough negotiator who will make great deals for Montana and America, and I’m proud to stand with him in the mission to bring investment and jobs back to our country, get tough on China, and revive the American Dream.” Sen. Steve Daines: Sen.
Daines, on social media, has been fully supportive of Trump's strategy. His staff referred the Missoulian to an exchange Daines had with Trump's U.S.
Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, on Tuesday, April 8, in a Senate Finance Committee Hearing. Excerpts from that exchange are below. "I share the president’s determination to end these unfair trade practices, whether they are tariffs or non-tariff barriers, I hope we can avoid an all-out trade war," Daines told Greer.
"A trade war will mean higher prices for the American consumer, because I think we could do a little thought exercise at the moment — who pays these high tariffs? In the short and medium term, it will be the consumer. It’ll be the consumer. And so I’m worried about the inflationary effect.
I’m worried if there is a trade war, that we’re going to have markets shutting down for American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers. I’ll give an example of that here in a moment." "But I’m encouraged because the president’s announcement has gotten the attention of a lot of countries.
..The fact that we’ve got Koreans now coming to the United States, literally dispatched to engage with us, to lower these barriers, tariff and non-tariff, the Japanese and some 70 countries now that want to come and work and address the issues of the barriers for American companies and American producers doing businesses in their countries.
With 95% of the world’s consumers outside the United States — critically important. So this is very encouraging." Daines also said that he hopes the tariffs "are a means and not solely an end.
" "And if that’s the case, I think we’re on a really good path," Daines said. "This kind of tough position we’re taking to actually solve some of these problems and barriers in trade that have been lingering for decades. And President Trump is taking bold leadership to address it.
I am hoping for a good outcome. My hope is this is a sign of things to come, that these countries will offer major concessions and make historic trade deals with President Trump." After Trump's announcement of the 90-day pause, Daines' staff sent the Missoulian a link to one of Daines' posts on X.
It was a retweet of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent congratulating Trump on his strategy.
"Winning!" Daines wrote. "Congratulations @realDonald Trump.".
