President Donald Trump announces major tariffs. See how Louisiana members of Congress reacted.

President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington. Associated Press Photo by Evan Vucci Louisiana's congressional delegation reacted along party lines when President Donald Trump released tariffs on what he was calling "Liberation Day," April 2, 2025. Staff Photo by Mark Ballard President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington.

Associated Press Photo by Evan Vucci Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON – Republicans in Louisiana’s congressional delegation were all for the tariffs President Donald Trump announced Wednesday afternoon, while the Democrats were concerned. U.S.



Sen. Bill Cassidy , R-Baton Rouge, said: “The provisions of the president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen.

Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.” In a White House Rose Garden ceremony attended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton, and other Republicans, Trump signed the executive orders that set a base 10% tariff, which goes into effect on Friday, for all imports from other nations. But Trump set much higher rates for 60 countries he said had set barriers for U.

S. products, including 35% added onto imports from China, 24% on Japanese products, 26% on imports from India, and 20% on European Union countries. Those tariffs go into effect April 9.

“These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators,” Johnson said after the ceremony. “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore.” Start Republican Rep.

Julia Letlow, a member of the House Appropriations committee whose district includes parts of Baton Rouge, said: “President Trump is playing the long game, using tariffs as a negotiating tool to restore America’s economic power. I trust the President’s judgment to deliver better long-term results for our economy.” Trump also announced a 25% tariff on all cars and trucks imported for sale into the U.

S. starting in the dark hours of Thursday morning. Autoworkers and members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who had been invited to the ceremony and received the pens Trump used to sign the executive orders, applauded the move.

The 25% tariff on millions of foreign-made vehicles sold in the United States will likely increase the cost of cars in the U.S. That worried Rep.

Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, for a state like Louisiana with virtually no public transportation. Residents have to drive to work, to the grocery store, take children to school and otherwise get around, he said. “The cost of automobiles are going to go up a thousand dollars, some say $5,000.

That’s a lot of money that is going to come out of the pockets of people for a purchase everyone in Louisiana absolutely needs to have,” Fields said. “President Trump imposing tariffs on our neighbors and allies will result in unnecessary hardships for American consumers and businesses. Under these tariffs grocery prices will go up, vehicle prices will go up, and consumer confidence will go down.

” Democratic Rep. Troy Carter, of New Orleans, agreed: “Just a couple of months ago, the American economy was poised for a so-called ‘soft landing.’ Thanks to Donald Trump, we’re now facing an economic nightmare with slowing growth and increasing inflation.

Tariffs are, and should be, a legitimate and essential tool when specifically targeted and aimed at promoting fair trade that protects American workers and businesses. This Administration is doing the opposite.” House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, however, saw the reciprocal tariffs as a way to level the playing field for American businesses.

“The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices,” Scalise, R-Jefferson, wrote on X. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, wrote on X that he supported the tariffs.

Sen. John N. Kennedy, R-Madisonville, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But Kennedy, who had been state treasurer for years before joining the Senate, agreed with Trump’s logic — though perhaps not his timeline, reported Politico, a Capitol Hill news source, on Monday. “In the long run, [it] will probably work,” Kennedy said. “The problem is that in the long run we’re all dead, and so the short run matters.

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