Paxton defended damaging tariffs that were contributing to higher food prices, harming Texan farmers and hurting Texas’ economy.
Paxton Claimed That He Fully Supported Trump’s Tariffs. According to the Houston Chronicle, “For far too long, weak national leaders have sold out this country and allowed other nations, including our enemies, to take advantage of us. I fully support President Trump’s bold action to ensure that we are respected again on the global stage, and because of these tariffs, more and more countries are coming to the table to negotiate. I will continue to stand with President Trump in working to establish a new golden age where American manufacturing thrives, our country is treated fairly, and U.S. workers succeed and flourish.” [Houston Chronicle, 4/10/25]
[AUDIO] Paxton Thought Trump Was “Trying To Even The Playing Field” And Lauded Him For “Making The Significant Attempt To Do That.” “I'm a free trader, but I also want fair trade. And I think what the president is trying to address is the fact that many of these countries, particularly China, but other countries as well, have not treated this fairly. And I think he's trying to even the playing field. I think in the end, we're going to see a lot more trade, a lot more free trade, and it's not going to be so one sided. I think what the president tried to do is correct the wrongs of the past that no other president is willing to do. And we've been at the short end of the stick. And I think he's trying to fix that. You know, I applaud him for making the significant attempt to do that.” [Truth w/ Lisa Boothe, 4/24/25]
HEADLINE: “Expert Explains Why Texas Could See Biggest Impact Regarding Sweeping Tariffs Announcement” [ABC 13 Eyewitness News, 4/4/25]
HEADLINE: “New Numbers Show Trump’s Tariffs, Mass Deportations Taking A Toll On The Texas Economy” [San Antonio Current, 8/15/25]
HEADLINE: “Tariffs Creating Uncertainty In Texas As Report Shows Slower Revenue Growth Since Late 2024” [Texas Tribune, 4/3/25]
The Federal Reserve Bank Of Dallas Released A Report That Indicated Worsening Job Growth In Texas Following White House Tariff Announcements. According to the San Antonio Current, "A growing number of signs suggest Trump’s tariff tantrums and mass deportation roundups are delivering a bruising one-two punch to the Texas economy. Numbers released this week by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas show the Lone Star State faces slipping job growth, declining construction starts and rising inflation. All signs its economic engine is sputtering. And all at least partially tied to the White House’s policies." [San Antonio Current, 8/15/25]
HEADLINE: As First Anniversary Of Trump Tariffs Approaches, Texas Small Businesses Say They’re Suffering [Houston Public Media, 3/31/26]
HEADLINE: A Year After ‘Liberation Day,’ Trump’s Tariffs Are Taking A Toll On Small Businesses In Texas And Nationwide [Houston Public Media, 4/7/26]
An October 2025 Texas Restaurant Survey Found That All But 10 Percent Of Restaurants Said They Were Seeing Costs Increase As A Result Of Tariffs. According to Houston Public Media, "The report surveyed more than 50 restaurants across the state in October. Eighty-eight percent of restaurants reported their food costs rose during the last quarter, while 40% said their costs went up ‘significantly.’ Two out of every three restaurants also said their labor costs are increasing. That's a result, at least in part, of some of the policies from the Trump administration, the restaurant association reported. All but 10% of restaurants said they were seeing costs increase as a result of tariffs." [Houston Public Media, 10/31/25]
HEADLINE: How Tariffs Have Affected The Cotton Industry In Texas [Spectrum News 1, 11/6/25]
A Texas Farmer Said That Tariffs Ran Up The Price Of Equipment And Inputs Such As Fertilizer. According to Spectrum News 1, “ With Trump leveraging tariffs as a tool, Reed says that can impact production costs. ‘Every time you have tariffs, it runs up the cost of our equipment or it is affecting the price of our equipment and our other inputs as far as fertilizer and chemical,’ Reed said.” [Spectrum News 1, 11/6/25]