Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wants President Donald Trump to abandon his “failed tariff-tax plan.”
This comes as Trump’s administration is praising the tariffs for bringing in record revenue totaling more than $150 billion in the first six months of 2025, signaling what The White House is calling America’s “Golden Age.”
The messaging from Democrats could not be different though, as they argue tariffs are raising costs for Americans.
“Once again, President Trump is playing chicken with America’s economy, and the American people are the ones suffering,” Polis said in a news release. “This means higher costs on food, clothing, electronics and so much more. Essentially, placing a tax on Americans and everyday goods hurts our economy and creates uncertainty that is devastating investments and job growth in our country.”
Polis expressed deep concern with the Canadian tariffs in particular, which just increased to 35% on Aug. 1.
Earlier this year, Polis declared March 15 to be Colorado Canada Friendship Day and raised the Canadian flag over the state capitol in a sign of solidarity, as previously reported by The Center Square.
In July, Polis issued an executive order creating the Colorado Tariff Burden Reduction Task Force to help agencies deal with “increased costs” from tariffs.
“The state should make all efforts to collect and analyze data related to U.S. Tariff Policy and the harms imposed on Colorado consumers, producers, and manufacturers to inform recommendations for how to protect Coloradans and the state’s economy during this volatile time,” it said.
According to the governor’s office, in 2023, Colorado exported $1.8 billion in Colorado goods and produce to Canada, accounting for 18% of all of the state’s trade exports.
Beef is one of Colorado’s largest exports, making it a top driver of Colorado’s agricultural economy. In 2024, the U.S. exported a total of $10.45 billion in beef and beef products around the world.
“Colorado’s top export countries for beef are Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan, China, all countries now facing Trump’s on-again off-again tariffs,” Polis’ office said.
While the trade partnership with Canada is critical, Polis also responded to other tariffs the Trump administration has either threatened or are currently in effect.
“Once again, President Trump is playing chicken with America’s economy, and the American people are the ones suffering,” Polis said on social media. “This means higher costs on food, clothing, electronics and so much more.”
Other Democrats have joined Polis in expressing their concerns, even throwing out the possibility of a coming recession.
“Trump’s tariff-taxes are raising prices, tanking the US dollar’s buying power, crushing our small businesses with uncertainty, and now stunting job growth,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, on social media. “This is a recipe for a recession.”
Yet, recent reports found minimal impact on some industries in Colorado from tariffs, with car sales up in the state this year.
Even concerns about inflation and the job market have yet to materialize, as unemployment improves and a report from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there has been only a minimal increase in inflation in the Denver area since Trump took office.
