Spanberger Confronts Trump Admin Over 'Devastating' Tariff Policy

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has sent letters to key Trump Administration officials urging them to reconsider their approach to trade policy, citing significant economic harm caused by continued tariffs. The governor's letters were addressed to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, as well as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Spanberger highlighted the impact of tariffs on Virginia's economy, particularly in the agricultural and forestry sectors, which have seen a decline in exports since 2024. The governor noted that costs for families across the Commonwealth have increased by an average of $2,900 since President Trump's second term began.

Spanberger emphasized the importance of preserving the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and strengthening trade relationships with Canada, which is Virginia's largest single export market. She warned that continued tariffs would cause immediate harm to Virginia workers, farmers, foresters, and businesses, as well as threaten the stability of the commercial partnership.