Former President Donald Trump’s plan to increase tariffs is causing waves of uncertainty among New Yorkers and tourists. Every time someone announces their support for the concept, there is a counter argument warning about the economic consequences. The proposal could result in increased costs for consumers goods and services. It’s already raising a few eyebrows among locals and visitors to the Big Apple.
Among those surprised to see Trump’s tariff plan supported are three Long Island elevator repair workers. More importantly, they’re convinced that the tariffs will in the long run make the American economy more robust and competitive. Their buoyancy is in sharp contrast to the pessimism that has gripped so many. These people worry that such steps would trigger a worldwide trade war.
Even an out-of-state couple visiting the nation’s capital weighed in on both sides of the argument. Even the husband was hopeful without being overconfident. He thought his southern constituents would be better off in the long run as a result of his efforts to protect American steel producers. As he said, “Tariffs are going to hurt people all over the country,” avoiding the false choice of focusing on concentrated benefits while ignoring dispersed impacts. His spouse, on the other hand, was still cautious, telling us, “I still don’t really understand the tariffs so I’m just waiting to see.”
The sentiment among some New Yorkers represents a wave of similar anxieties sweeping the country. London resident Stace Belgrave further elaborated on how the cost of living crisis has impacted her life. She laughed and said, “I’m aware, but I’m only living my life.” Fifteen-year-old Sarah Razack sounded the alarm on skyrocketing costs. She was furious, maintaining, “Everyone is existing in a price-hiked anger world, and everybody in New York City is democrat, so they’re not going to get much angrier than that.”
Tourists too are not immune from incredulity at New York’s pricing logic. Just ask this couple from the Netherlands, who recently spent $18 on two ice creams in the city—one more proof of New York City’s sky-high costs. Fergus Owens, another Londoner, added that there is a lot of concern about tariffs and how they will drive up prices. I guess when I really start to see the effect of it, then I’ll form more of an opinion,” he said. Everything is already prohibitively expensive so that’s where we are. There’s nothing I can do about it.”
Tom in front of Macy’s on 34th Street in midtown Manhattan. He reiterated that “tariffs will hurt all Americans,” underscoring that the consequences go well beyond New York City.
For others, short-term price hikes just won’t wash. They argue these increases will be more than paid for by long-term economic benefits. One woman who has recently shopped online at discount e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein told us that consumers don’t have other choices. “We really don’t have any other options,” she said, echoing what has become a common refrain among people facing down skyrocketing expenses.
Her friend offered a contrasting view, stating simply: “Clearly not.” This pretty well sums up the confusion and frustration experienced by millions as they wonder what the future holds for all of America’s prices.
The merits of Trump’s tariff plan have been hotly debated. The American public is split down the middle, informed more by lived experience than by any objective economic analysis. Others remain cautiously optimistic for positive change. In stark contrast, some are bracing for what they anticipate to be an increase in their cost-of-living.