¶ Overview
- During the first Trump administration, Huizenga opposed the imposition of tariffs because of the potential for job losses on West Michigan. He called them “misguided” and slammed Trump’s “protectionist” policies for “trying to recapture a world that doesn’t exist anymore.”
- Then Huizenga lost his spine and bowed to Trump during his second administration when it came to tariffs, claiming they were the “right thing to do.” He claimed tariffs were “common sense” and that they would make the United States more prosperous despite also acknowledging they would cause some “bumps in the road.” Then he voted six times to protect Trump’s tariffs including in April 2025, when Huizenga was the deciding vote to protect Trump’s tariffs. Tariffs “created havoc” for Western Michigan’s industrial buyers, raised costs on Michiganders and small businesses, made farmers lose money, and amounted to a $1,000 tax increase on Americans.
¶ Huizenga Flip-Flopped On His Position On Tariffs, Opposing Them During The First Trump Administration, Then Supporting Them In The Second Despite The Harm It Caused To Western Michigan
¶ 2025: huizenga claimed trump was pulling the u.s. economy out of a ditch
May 2025: Huizenga Claimed Trump Was Pulling The U.S. Economy Out Of A Ditch. According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave on Just the News, "HUIZENGA: And what's amazing is, yeah, they simply couldn't celebrate any positive news on from the left. And, you know, and obviously it adds insult to injury for them that it's President Trump who is actually driving this economic activity. But we've got to do this. We've got to pull the economy out of the ditch where Joe Biden left it and and Donald Trump's doing that." [Just the News, No Noise, 5/13/25] (video)
- HEADLINE: "Michigan Gas Prices Near $4 A Gallon And May Stay High For Months" [Detroit Free Press, 4/13/26]
¶ 2025: huizenga DEFENDED tariffs as “common sense” and the “right thing to do”
HEADLINE: "Michigan Congressman Supports Trump's Upcoming Tariff Announcement" [Associated Press via Michigan Public Radio, 3/31/25]
April 2025: Huizenga Supported Trump’s Tariffs, Claiming They Were The “Right Thing To Do” Even Though They Could Affect Michiganders. According to the MLive, "Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, is backing President Donald Trump's tariffs. Southwest Michigan constituents may feel the pressure, Huizenga told reporters in Battle Creek on Monday, March 31, but it's the ‘right thing to do.’ Huizenga's comments to reporters came just days before President Trump's scheduled announcement about additional tariffs. Because Trump's ‘Liberation Day’ announcement is set for Wednesday afternoon, it's unclear how Huizenga feels about those specific tariffs. Huizenga represents Michigan's 4th District, which includes includes all of Allegan and Van Buren counties, and parts of Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Ottawa counties. He has an office in Portage and Holland." [MLive, 4/2/25]
- Huizenga On Trump’s 2025 Tariffs: “Is There Going To Be Some Adjustments To That? Absolutely,’ He Told Reporters In March. ‘Is It Going To Be Easy? Not Necessarily. Is It The Right Thing To Do? Absolutely It Is.” According to ProPublica via the Muskegon Tribune, "Hoekstra isn't the only politician who has adjusted his approach to trade. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, representing the district that's losing Howard Miller, issued a newsletter in 2018 that pushed back on the first Trump administration's tariff efforts, particularly tariffs on steel from Canada. ‘Any perceived short-term gain from these overly broad tariffs may be quickly blunted by hardworking men and women losing their jobs in West Michigan and communities where manufacturing plays a significant role in the local economy,’ he wrote. This year, Huizenga supported Trump's tariffs. ‘Is there going to be some adjustments to that? Absolutely,’ he told reporters in March. ‘Is it going to be easy? Not necessarily. Is it the right thing to do? Absolutely it is.’ In response to ProPublica, a spokesperson for Huizenga said in an email that economic realities before and after the COVID-19 pandemic are dramatically different. The pandemic ‘exposed the dire need to reshore American manufacturing,’ the spokesperson wrote. ‘President Trump and Congressman Huizenga are fighting to reshore American jobs, restore affordability, and rebuild Michigan's economy.’ Some companies and labor organizations have applauded the tariffs or found ways to live with them." [ProPublica via Muskegon Tribune, 12/10/25]
March 2025: Huizenga Called Tariffs “Common Sense.” According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave on West Michigan’s Morning News, “HUIZENGA: Making sure that we have equal economic footing with our trade partners. And if we don't starting April two, he's going to put in reciprocal tariffs. That's common sense.” [West Michigan’s Morning News, 3/4/25] (audio)
Huizenga Framed Trump’s Tariffs As Positive For The United States. According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave on KRXI, "ANCHOR: And lawmakers are weighing in on President Trump's tariff policies. Republican Representative Bill Huizenga of Michigan says that the tariffs will have a positive impact on U.S. manufacturing. Well, Democratic Representative Andrea Salinas is concern they will end up hurting American consumers. HUIZENGA: Really, ultimately is the goal and objective of President Trump is to go in and say, okay, I want as much as we can physically possibly build here in the United States. We don't want it in Mexico. We don't want it in Europe. We don't want it in China . We want it here." [KRXI, 3/12/25] (video)
Huizenga Claimed Trump’s Tariffs Would Make The United States Stronger And More Prosperous. According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave on Bloomberg Balance of Power, "HOST: Well, something else that could affect the checkbook of American families, Congressman, is if the cost of goods is effectively risen, at least for some of them, due to tariffs that are either in place now or the president has threatened to put in place further. We just heard from him in a cabinet meeting saying he'll be announcing car tariffs shortly, pharma at some point. But we've also had our own reporting internally here at Bloomberg that on April 2nd he's actually looking at something a bit more pared back than the sweeping tariffs he's been talking about. What is your hope here on the actual outcome? What what level of tariffs and on what goods is actually appropriate to achieve his objectives without hurting that checkbook you were just speaking about? HUIZENGA: Yeah, well, Kaylee, I always bring up to people who might be sitting in these chairs behind me here in my office not wanting to discuss all this. You have to look at what is policy and what's tactic. Right. And I think we've seen more tactic than actual policy numbers, hard numbers out of the president so far. And good for him. Here's his goal and objective. Drive as much business back into the United States as physically possible to make sure that we've got good paying jobs here in the United States, that we are taking care of our citizens first and foremost, and that we've got a robust economy. And the fundamentals of the economy are sound, especially when we're talking about making sure that energy policy is rational, not what we had for the last four years, making sure that we are putting those Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions back in place, making sure that, you know, we have a have a have a efficiency and a paring down of federal government and government, frankly, at all levels that has hindered growth. So, yes, tariffs is going to be a part of that. I know that that the Swiss and others that are dealing with pharmaceuticals have wanted to make sure that they are working with the administration. You happen to bring those up. Michigan? You know, we've got a tremendous number of automotive suppliers, tier one, tier two, tier three automotive suppliers. A lot of them are looking at how they bring this back to the United States, if at all possible. It's interesting that the United Auto Workers are in support of the tariffs. The Canadian auto workers are not. That is the other to the union that's usually together is actually split on this one. So, you know, there's there's going to be some bumpy bumps in this road, there's no doubt. But I think we have to look at what that end game is, and that's to make America stronger, more prosperous and and stronger on the world stage. And I think President Trump is absolutely doing that." [Bloomberg Balance of Power, 3/24/25] (video)
¶ Huizenga Admitted That Tariffs Would Create “Bumps In The Road” For Michigan
Huizenga Admitted There Would Be “Bumps In The Road” With The Tariffs But Claimed The End Result Would Be “Optimistic.” According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave with Bloomberg Balance of Power, "HOST: And turn to Congressman Bill Huizenga , who is joining us , representing Michigan's fourth Congressional District . Congressman, good to have you back on Bloomberg TV and radio. When we consider the visit the president is making to your state of Michigan tomorrow. How does he need to message around the tariffs, knowing that by and large, it does seem that these policies are making Americans nervous at the least and potentially affecting their actual consumption economic behavior at the worst. HUIZENGA: Kayleigh, good to be with you and Joe. I think what Joe is leading into is really the point, right, the underlying belief that we need to do something and something significant is what my constituency I think what Michigan and what much of the country believes. And there is no doubt that I believe he's going to go down the path of talking about promises made and promises kept. No one should be surprised at the direction that he's gone. This is probably the most transparent president we've ever had in the modern era about what he wants to do and how he wants to do it. So, you know, how is he going to message this back in Michigan? I think it's exactly that. Look, there might be some bumps in this road, whether it's in the automotive industry, whether it's in tourism, agriculture, which are the three biggest drivers of the Michigan economy. It's manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. We're going to get to the end of this tunnel. And I think it's going to be optimistic." [Bloomberg Balance of Power, 4/28/25] (video)
Huizenga On Tariffs: “Are There Going To Be Some Bumps In The Road? Absolutely. Is It Good In The Long Run? I Think So.” According to an interview Rep. Bill Huizenga gave with Bloomberg Balance of Power, "HUIZENGA: So is are there going to be some bumps in the road? Absolutely. Is it good in the long run? I think so. Now , the question is, is how do we get through this? And at the end of the day, based on watching Donald Trump for four years in his first term, watching how he operates in this term, and just knowing in general how he operates, he is someone who is looking for that deal. It is the art of the deal. Right." [Bloomberg Balance of Power, 4/28/25] (video)
¶ 2025-2026: huizenga voted six times to protect trump’s tariffs
¶ February 2026: Huizenga Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2026: Huizenga Effectively Voted Against Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, Huizenga voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the joint resolution that would terminate the Feb. 1, 2025, national emergency that imposed tariffs on goods from Canada.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the joint resolution by a vote of 219 to 211. [House Vote 65, 2/11/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/11/26; Congressional Actions. H.J. Res. 72]
2026: Huizenga Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, Huizenga voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the rule (H Res 1042) providing for floor consideration of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189), the Undersea Cable Protection Act (HR 261), and the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (HR 3617). […] It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump's 2025 tariff actions under the Feb. 1, April 2, July 30, and Aug. 6 executive orders by providing that each day during the period from Feb. 10, 2026 through July 31, 2026, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The House rejected the rule by a vote of 214 to 217. [House Vote 60, 2/10/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/10/26; Congressional Actions. H.Res. 1042]
- The Provision Was Added To A Rule Opening Debate On Three Unrelated Bills. According to Reuters, “Lawmakers voted 217-214 to derail the plan to bar tariff challenges through July 31, with three Republicans joining 214 Democrats in opposition. The prohibition was included in a measure intended to open debate on three unrelated bills.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The House Adopted A Rule In March Of Last Year Barring Tariff Challenges That Expired In January Resulting In Speaker Johnson Calling Another Extension, Through This Rule, “Necessary.” According to Reuters, “Earlier in the day, Johnson told reporters that he expected the measure to pass the House, calling it necessary in view of an expected Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the tariffs. House Republicans first adopted a rule barring tariff challenges last March and later extended it through January.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The Rule That Barred Tariffs Challenges Did Not Consider Days As “Calendar Days”, Blocking Democrats From Repealing Trump’s Declared National Emergency That Allowed For His Broad Tariffs. According to the Hill. “Trump declared national emergencies as a basis for implementing his broad-based global tariffs, as well as specific tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada. The National Emergencies Act dictates that Congress can use joint resolutions to repeal a national emergency, and outlines procedures to expedite that action after a certain number of calendar days. Multiple times last year, GOP leaders inserted language into procedural rule legislation to not count a ‘calendar day’ for the purposes of the National Emergencies Act until a specific date, blocking members from forcing action to repeal the tariffs. That prohibition expired at the end of January as GOP leaders faced resistance from Republicans. The latest attempt would have reinstated that prohibition until July 31, 2026.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- Johnson Delayed The Vote From 1:30 PM To 8:30 PM In An Attempt To Flip Votes. According to the Hill, “Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unable to win over the holdouts, despite delaying the vote from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.” [Hill, 2/10/26]
¶ September 2025: Huizenga Voted Again To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Huizenga Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Huizenga voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the resolution [that] would allow for the tolling (the pausing of counting) of days for resolutions of inquiry from Sept. 30, 2025 through March 31, 2026. It also would provide that each day during the period from April 9, 2025, through March 31, 2026. would not constitute a calendar day for the purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution to terminate President Donald Trump's April 2, 2025 executive order declaring a national emergency regarding tariffs on imported goods. The resolution also would provide that during the period for March 11, 2025 through March 31, 2026, would not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency executive order declared by President Trump on Feb. 1, 2025. Such an executive order concerned tariffs on many Canadian and Mexican imports and Chinese goods. The resolution also would provide that the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act would not apply through March 31, 2026 to a joint resolution terminating the national emergency.” The vote was on the rule. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 213 to 211. [House Vote 268, 9/16/25; Congressional Quarterly, 9/16/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 707; Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Support Was Won From GOP Holdouts Through A Promise Of A Vote Later In The Week To Shorten The Block To End In January Rather Than March. According to Politico, “GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then.” [Politico, 9/16/25]
- September 2025: House Republicans Voted In Favor Of A Measure That Effectively Blocked Challenges To Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026, With The Intent Of Changing The Length Of Time To January 2026. According to Politico, "House Republicans voted in near lockstep Tuesday to again cede congressional power over tariffs to President Donald Trump. A measure that effectively blocks challenges to Trump’s sweeping global tariff declarations through March 2026 was adopted on a 213-211 vote. The vote was gaveled down only after GOP whips had a drawn-out struggle on the floor with a band of Republicans who initially opposed the legislation before flipping to yes. The vote was held open for more than a half-hour as they worked to bring the members back on board. GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then." [Politico, 9/16/25]
¶ April 2025: Huizenga Cast The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Huizenga Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Huizenga voted for, “adoption of the rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 budget resolution. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 216 to 215. [House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Speaker Johnson Backed The Move, Claiming Trump Has “Executive Authority” And That The Tariffs Are “In The Interest Of The American People.” According to ABC News, “House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the move, telling reporters, ‘I've made it very clear I think the president has executive authority. It's an appropriate level of authority to deal with the unfair trade practices. That's part of the role of the president is to negotiate with other countries.’ Johnson said Trump told him Tuesday night that ‘there are almost 70 countries that are [in] some stage in negotiation of more fair-trade agreement agreements with the United States. I think that is in the interest of the American people. I think that is an ‘America First’ policy that will be effective, and so we have to give them the space to do it.’” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
- The Vote Was The Second Use Of The Procedural Tactic To Block Votes On The Tariffs, The First Use Of It Being In March 2025. According to ABC News, “House Democrats, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., moved to force a vote on Tuesday on terminating the national emergency authority and blocking Trump's sweeping tariffs. Now, that vote is unlikely to occur. This is the second time Johnson has moved to stop the legislative calendar to prevent votes on Trump's authority on tariffs. Under House rules, these votes would typically come up within 15 calendar days but now will not if the ‘rule’ passes during the vote series Wednesday afternoon.” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
¶ If One “Aye” Vote Had Switched To A “No” On House Vote 94 The Measure Would Have Failed Instead Of Passing
The Measure Considered In House Vote 94 Passed By A Vote Of 216 “Ayes” To 215 “Nos,” Which Meant If One Aye Vote Had Switched To A No Vote The Measure Would Have Failed.
[House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
¶ April 2025: Huizenga Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Huizenga Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Huizenga voted for, “motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 313) that would providing for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the previous question. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 217 to 212. [House Vote 93, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313]
¶ March 2025: Huizenga Voted To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Huizenga Voted To Disapprove An IRS Rule That Established Reporting Requirements For Digital Asset Proceeds And To Effectively Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs. In March 2025, Huizenga voted for, “the bill that would provide for Congressional disapproval of, and nullify, a December 2024 IRS rule related to gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. The rule imposed reporting requirements, beginning in 2027, on non-custodial barkers who participate in the decentralized digital asset market. It also required brokers to file information returns and provide payee statements reporting gross proceeds from certain digital asset sales and transactions.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 292 to 132. [House Vote 71, 3/11/25; Congressional Quarterly, 3/11/25; Congressional Actions, H.J. Res. 25]
- The Bill Effectively Blocked The House From Voting To Reverse Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China For The Next Year. According to the New York Times, “Republican leaders on Tuesday slipped language into a procedural measure that would prevent any resolution to end the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China from receiving a vote this year. It passed on party lines as part of a resolution that cleared the way for a vote later Tuesday on a government spending bill needed to prevent a shutdown at the end of the week.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The Bill Nullified A Law That Would Allow The House And Senate To End A Disaster Declared By The President. According to the New York Times, “In this case, Republican leaders did so using a particularly unusual contortion: They essentially declared the rest of the year one long day, nullifying a law that allows the House and Senate to jointly put an end to a disaster declared by the president.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The National Emergencies Act Required Consideration Of Resolutions Ending A Presidentially Declared Emergency Within Fifteen Calendar Days But Republican Leadership Included A Measure In The Bill Declaring The Rest Of The Year Did Not Constitute A Calendar Day. According to the New York Times, “The national emergency law lays out a fast-track process for Congress to consider a resolution ending a presidential emergency, requiring committee consideration within 15 calendar days after one is introduced and a floor vote within three days after that. But the language House Republicans inserted in their measure on Tuesday declared that, ‘Each day for the remainder of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day’ for the purposes of the emergency that Mr. Trump declared on Feb. 1.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
¶ tariffs were crushing western michigan
HEADLINE: "Tariffs, War, And Now A Historic Drought Have Converged Into A ‘Perfect Storm’ For U.S. Farmers And Food Prices" [Fortune Magazine, 4/21/26]
Grand Valley State University Supply Management Research Director Said Tariffs “Created Havoc” For Western Michigan’s Industrial Buyers. According to WOOD via Yahoo News, "Tariffs have ‘created havoc’ for the region’s industrial buyers, Long said. ‘They have been robbing Peter to pay Paul. They’ve been doing workarounds and everything else for literally this past year or so, and they were hoping for this kind of a decision to come down,’ he said. Still, businesses are continuing to see some uncertainty, Long said, with one survey respondent saying there’s a ‘scary unknown with tariffs’ despite the ruling." [WOOD via Yahoo News, 3/11/26]
Grand Rapids Florist Faced Higher Costs On Flowers And Ornaments As A Result Of Tariffs. According to MLive, "Tracy Thomas, the owner of Crescent Floral & Gifts in East Grand Rapids, knows firsthand the financial squeeze President Donald Trump’s tariffs —struck down Friday by the U.S. Supreme Court — have put on small businesses. Imported roses, a big seller on Valentine’s Day, cost 25% more this year because of tariffs, though Thomas said she covered the expense herself rather than passing it on to customers. During the holidays, Christmas ornaments from the United Kingdom increased from $13 each to $26 each. So when Thomas learned about the court’s decision, she was hopeful for a reprieve." [MLive, 2/20/26]
Grand Rapids Chamber Senior Vice President Said Tariffs “Created A Lot Of Uncertainty” And Led To “Increased Costs For Businesses And Consumers.” According to MLive, "Andy Johnston, senior vice president of advocacy and strategic engagement at the Grand Rapids Chamber, said Trump’s tariffs ‘created a lot of uncertainty’ in West Michigan’s economy and led to ‘increased costs for businesses and consumers.’ ‘What we want to see going forward is stable, transparent trade rules that reduce unnecessary costs for businesses and consumers,’ he said. ‘Business wants certainty. We want a level playing field, and uncertainty around tariffs doesn’t help us achieve that.’" [MLive, 2/20/26]
Sparta Farmer On The Impact Of Tariffs: “We’re Not Making Any Money…I Mean, It’s Bad.” According to MLive, "Jim May, the owner of May Farms in Sparta, north of Grand Rapids, said he has mixed thoughts on Trump’s tariffs. He said he likes Trump’s goal of using tariffs to nudge companies to bolster their manufacturing operations in the U.S. But, on the other hand, tariffs have raised costs for fertilizer and other supplies he buys to grow corn, soybeans and apples, he said. In addition, countries such as China that once bought soybeans from the U.S. are now getting them from Brazil, said May, 75. ‘My business as a farmer right now — we’re not making any money,’ he said. ‘I mean, it’s bad.’" [MLive, 2/20/26]
University Of Michigan Economics Professor Said Businesses Were Struggling Because Of Tariffs, Which She Called A “Huge Tax Increase.” According to MLive, "Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs, first implemented in April 2025, have been unpopular with some consumers who feared they would lead to higher prices, as well as with business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Trump has seen them as a tool to boost American manufacturing and drive economic growth. ‘The traditional small business groups and big business groups have been struggling under the weights of these tariffs,’ said Betsey Stevenson, a professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan. ‘A tariff is just a tax. It’s a huge tax increase and it was really a constraint on trade.’" [MLive, 2/20/26]
¶ During the first trump administration, huizenga called tariffs “misguided” and warned they could result in job losses In West Michigan
Huizenga In 2018: “Any Perceived Short-Term Gain From These Overly Broad Tariffs May Be Quickly Blunted By Hardworking Men And Women Losing Their Jobs In West Michigan And Communities Where Manufacturing Plays A Significant Role In The Local Economy.” According to the Holland Sentinel, "U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, said the negative impacts of the steel and aluminum tariffs and a potential trade war will be felt by businesses in West Michigan. ‘While I understand the administration's goal of putting America first, I don't believe this proposal achieves the desired outcome,’ Huizenga said. ‘Steel and aluminum imports from these countries do not pose a security risk to the United States.’ Huizenga met with manufacturers from around West Michigan in Grand Haven recently to discuss the tariffs and said the business owners voiced concerns of the rising cost of doing business. The tariffs will impact the operations and growth outlook, Huizenga said. One immediate solution the business community would like to see is the ability to grandfather contracts in so they are not impacted by the new tariffs. ‘Any perceived short-term gain from these overly broad tariffs may be quickly blunted by hardworking men and women losing their jobs in West Michigan and communities where manufacturing plays a significant role in the local economy,’ Huizenga said. Huizenga said he is imploring the Trump administration to reconsider the ‘misguided proposal’ and at a minimum allow for existing contracts to be unaffected." [Holland Sentinel, 6/10/18]
- 2018: Huizenga Said Trump’s Proposed Steel And Aluminum Tariffs On The EU, Canada, And Mexico Were “Misguided.” According to a press release from Rep. Bill Huizenga, "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it was placing steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada, and Mexico under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. ‘While I understand the Administration’s goal of putting America first, I don’t believe this proposal achieves the desired outcome. Steel and aluminum imports from these countries do not pose a security risk to the United States. In fact, manufacturers across Michigan have particularly benefited from our strong economic ties to both Canada as well as EU Nations. ‘On Tuesday, I heard first-hand from manufacturers in Grand Haven who shared how the soon-to-be enacted tariffs have already raised the cost of doing business. The existing contracts these suppliers, manufacturers, and small businesses signed are not able to be renegotiated which means the added costs will directly impact their operations and growth outlook. Any perceived short-term gain from these overly broad tariffs may be quickly blunted by hardworking men and women losing their jobs in West Michigan and communities where manufacturing plays a significant role in the local economy. ‘I implore the Administration to reconsider this misguided proposal and at a minimum fix the exclusion process for those with existing contracts to prevent lasting negative impacts. If the goal is to address Chinese manufactured steel flooding the market, then our focus should be targeted on that issue, not our economic allies.’" [Press Release – Rep. Bill Huizenga, 5/31/18]
2018: Huizenga Expressed Concerns About The First Trump Administration’s Tariffs And Said A Trade War Was “Very Difficult To Win.” According to the Associated Press, "Republican members of Congress are telling White House economic advisers Larry Kudlow and Peter Navarro how tariffs have hurt their constituents. The Capitol Hill meeting follows the White House announcement that the U.S. and European Union have agreed to hold off on new trade penalties and the EU has agreed to buy more soybeans and liquefied natural gas from the U.S. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky says he told the White House advisers that Wednesday's announcement ‘was a positive sign and we appreciate the administration lowering the temperature with the EU.’ But Barr also says bourbon makers in Kentucky have been hit with retaliatory tariffs and ‘don't have a solution yet.’ Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan says he's concerned the administration has started a trade war and ‘those are very difficult to win.’" [Associated Press, 7/26/18]
2019: Huizenga Broke With The First Trump Administration And Opposed Its Tariff Hikes On China Because Of The Impact They Would Have On Local Industries. According to Holland Sentinel, "Huizenga also breaks with the Trump administration on tariff hikes imposed on China, which he said impact local industries ‘from office furniture to automotive.’ ‘My fear is they're trying to recapture a world that doesn't exist anymore,’ he said of the administration's position, calling President Trump a ‘protectionist.’ He said the administration lacks consensus on a looming trade war Huizenga characterized as a ‘skirmish.’" [Holland Sentinel, 3/23/19]
- Huizenga Called Trump During His First Administration A “Protectionist” Who Was “Trying To Recapture A World That Doesn’t Exist Anymore.” According to Holland Sentinel, "Huizenga also breaks with the Trump administration on tariff hikes imposed on China, which he said impact local industries ‘from office furniture to automotive.’ ‘My fear is they're trying to recapture a world that doesn't exist anymore,’ he said of the administration's position, calling President Trump a ‘protectionist.’ He said the administration lacks consensus on a looming trade war Huizenga characterized as a ‘skirmish.’" [Holland Sentinel, 3/23/19]
2019: Huizenga Applauded The Elimination Of Steel And Aluminum Tariffs On Canada And The U.S. According to a press release from Rep. Bill Huizenga, "Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) issued the following statement in response to the agreement made between the United States, Canada, and Mexico to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum. ‘The elimination of steel and aluminum tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is welcome news and a very positive step that will have a significant impact on Michigan. As Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-parliamentary Group, I have been in close discussions with my Canadian counterparts. This agreement now sets the stage for a much broader conversation to improve our trading relationship with both Canada and Mexico so more hardworking Michiganders and job creators can benefit from trade between our nations.’" [Press Release – Rep. Bill Huizenga, 5/17/19]
2019: Huizenga Spokesperson Said Huizenga Believed Tariffs Should Not Be The First Solution To Address Concerns Over The Southern Border Because They Unjustly Penalized West Michigan Businesses And Residents. According to the Holland Sentinel, "In Congress, the proposed tariffs have not garnered much support from legislators. At a Grand Rapids town hall last week, U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, a Republican from Michigan's 3rd District, voiced his opposition to the tactic. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, took to Twitter, saying that he was ‘deeply concerned’ over the potential tariffs. Brian Patrick, communications director for Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland said that while the situation at the border is a clear problem that Mexico needs to address, tariffs should not be the first solution, as they unjustly penalize West Michigan businesses and residents. Unless officials can reach an 11th-hour solution to the situation at the border, tariffs will begin Monday." [Holland Sentinel, 7/7/19]