Economy

How Trump’s Trade Policies Are Fueling Republican Fears of a Worsening Economy Before Midterms

Republicans concerned over job market; revised data shows fewer jobs. Trade policies blamed for economic woes.

September 11, 2025, 7:35 AM

A portrait of President Donald Trump seated in the Oval Office, with a serious expression, and an American flag behind him

On February 13, 2025, President Donald Trump signs an executive order on reciprocal tariffs at the White House in Washington, D.C. By Brian Jason / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

Republican lawmakers are expressing significant concern over the U.S. economy and labor market following reports of nearly one million fewer jobs created than previously reported and an unemployment rate rising to 4.3 percent.

Many Republicans attribute the weaker-than-expected jobs performance and broader economic uncertainty to President Trump’s global trade policies, arguing that tariffs have led to increased prices and dampened demand.

Despite record stock market highs, Republicans on Capitol Hill, including Representative Don Bacon, voice apprehension that these gains do not reflect economic realities, especially in industrial and agricultural sectors, and question the efficacy of current trade measures.

The Story So Far

Recent reports from the Labor Department and BLS showing a significant downward revision in job creation and a rising unemployment rate have heightened concerns among Republican lawmakers about the U.S. economy. Many Republicans attribute this weaker performance to President Trump’s global trade policies, arguing that tariffs have increased prices and created business uncertainty, leading them to question the broader economic health despite record stock market highs.

Why This Matters

Recent downward revisions in job creation and a rising unemployment rate are intensifying concerns among Republican lawmakers about the U.S. economy’s health, particularly in sectors like agriculture and industrial jobs. This economic unease is largely attributed by some Republicans to President Trump’s trade policies, specifically tariffs, which they argue are increasing consumer prices, dampening demand, and creating business uncertainty, potentially impacting the political landscape ahead of midterm elections.

Who Thinks What?

Republican lawmakers are expressing significant concern regarding the state of the U.S. economy and labor market, attributing the weaker-than-expected job performance primarily to President Trump’s global trade policies and tariffs.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) believes the economy is “in a rough spot” with low job numbers, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors, and questions the effectiveness of current trade measures.

Republican lawmakers are expressing significant concern regarding the state of the U.S. economy and the labor market following recent reports from the Labor Department and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This comes after data revealed the nation created nearly one million fewer jobs from March 2024 to March 2025 than previously reported, with the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.3 percent.

Economic Data Raises Concerns

The updated figures, released on Tuesday, indicated a substantial downward revision in job creation over a 12-month period. Following this, the monthly jobs report on Friday showed the economy added only 22,000 jobs, contributing to a rise in the unemployment rate, though it remains relatively low historically.

Many Republicans attribute the weaker-than-expected jobs performance primarily to President Trump’s global trade policies. They argue that tariffs have led to increased prices for consumers, dampened demand, and created uncertainty for businesses and investors.

Impact of Trade Policies

Despite major stock market indices reaching record highs, Republicans on Capitol Hill voice apprehension that these gains do not accurately reflect the economic realities faced by many Americans. They are particularly concerned that the economic outlook could deteriorate further in the six months leading up to the midterm elections.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) articulated these concerns, stating, “My take is that we’re in a rough spot. The jobs numbers are low.” He specifically highlighted challenges in industrial jobs and the agricultural sector, noting, “If you look at industrial jobs, if you look at the farm economy right now — the farm economy is looking pretty bleak.”

Bacon also questioned the efficacy of current trade measures, adding, “I don’t see where tariffs have helped us yet; I don’t see a lot of corn and soybeans being bought.” This sentiment underscores a growing unease among some Republicans regarding the broader economic impact of protectionist trade policies.

In summary, recent job data has intensified concerns among Republican lawmakers about the U.S. economy, with many pointing to President Trump’s trade war and tariffs as a significant contributing factor to a struggling labor market and broader economic uncertainty.