August 3, 2025 — In a rare bipartisan nod, Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania acknowledged that former President Donald Trump’s trade policies — particularly his use of tariffs — appear to be yielding results.
“Absolutely,” Fetterman told Fox News Digital when asked whether the Trump administration is winning the trade war. “I’m a huge fan of Bill Maher… he acknowledged it — he thought the tariffs were going to tank the economy, and then he admitted they didn’t.”
Fetterman cited Trump’s trade approach with the European Union as a particular success and said he was watching the situation with China closely. His comments contrast with many in his party who continue to criticize Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy.
The latest escalation in Trump’s trade agenda includes an increase in tariffs on Canadian goods from 25% to 35%, set to take effect Friday. The White House said the move aims to pressure Canada to take stronger action against the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the U.S.
Trump also signed an executive order on Thursday adjusting reciprocal tariff rates for select countries to address what he called “unfair trade imbalances.” The administration says the goal is to promote “fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade relationships.”
Earlier this year, Trump imposed a blanket 10% tariff on imports from all countries, with higher rates for nations running large trade surpluses with the U.S. The tariffs took effect April 9.
Since then, the administration has secured multiple trade deals. The European Union agreed to buy $750 billion in U.S. energy and pledged $600 billion in new investments by 2028, while accepting a 15% baseline tariff rate. Japan also committed to $550 billion in U.S. investments and opened its markets further to American exports under similar tariff terms.
Despite those developments, many Democrats remain skeptical.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) warned of long-term consequences, saying rising costs for consumers and supply chain disruptions are likely. “Within a few weeks or months, you’ll start seeing significant increases in most things you buy,” he said.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) echoed that concern, comparing the tariffs to a “national sales tax” that could ultimately hurt American families. “Prices are going to rise, and they’re going to rise more over time,” he said.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) took a broader view, arguing that Trump’s tariff strategy risks alienating global trading partners. “Every one of those trading partners is now looking around the world for other customers,” she said. “Trump is signaling that the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner.”
Warren also blamed the tariff tensions for the Federal Reserve’s hesitation on interest rate cuts. “Jerome Powell said he would have lowered rates back in February if it hadn’t been for the chaos Trump created over trade,” she said, claiming Americans are now paying more in borrowing costs.
On the other hand, Republicans rallied behind Trump’s approach.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) praised the tariff policy, calling it a “big win” for American workers. “It’s exactly the right approach. It’s what I’ve been urging the president to do,” Cruz said.
Responding to Democrats’ ongoing criticism, Cruz added, “I’m shocked, shocked that Democrats are rooting for the economy to do badly under President Trump.”
He continued, “It’d be nice if some Democrats would put their partisan hatred for Trump aside and actually start working together for American workers and American jobs.”
