A new wave of steep tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump sent the stock market tumbling this week, sparking concerns among investors and economists. Despite the financial shake-up, West Virginia’s federal officials are holding firm in their support for the president’s bold economic strategy.
The tariffs — including a sweeping 10% tax on all imported goods — were introduced earlier this week on what Trump dubbed “Liberation Day.” The move also imposed additional duties on imports from dozens of countries and regions, aiming to level the global trade playing field. The result was immediate: U.S. stock markets suffered their biggest single-day losses since March 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
Still, West Virginia’s congressional leaders backed the president’s decision, emphasizing the long-term benefits for American industry and workers.
Capito Backs the Tariffs, Despite Market Concerns
“Today is a tough day,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., during a press briefing. “But I think the President is doing this because he wants to see our American worker and our American products be on an even playing field with the rest of the world.”
Capito acknowledged growing concerns from her constituents, especially those worried about retirement funds and investments. “When you have a dramatic drop in the market like this, it obviously impacts 401(k)s and retirement accounts — and that’s worrisome,” she said.
Still, she stood by the president’s goals, calling the tariffs part of a necessary push for fairness. “Countries around the world are taxing our products at astronomical rates. We’re finally saying, ‘If you tax us 10%, we’ll do the same to you.’”
Capito predicted that these new measures may not last in their current form. “I don’t think these will be in place in six months the way they look right now,” she said.
Congressman Riley Moore: ‘Real Free and Fair Trade’
Riley Moore, R-W.Va., who attended the tariff announcement at the White House, also voiced strong support. Moore is the author of legislation aimed at boosting the president’s ability to negotiate reciprocal trade deals.
“President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland,” Moore said in a statement. “By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade.”
Moore believes this move will stimulate domestic manufacturing and increase global demand for American-made goods.
Carol Miller: “Jobs Are Returning”
Congresswoman Carol Miller of Huntington, W.Va., shared her optimism online just hours before the official announcement.
“Thanks to President Trump, businesses are investing in America! Jobs are returning to the U.S. and our economy is growing rapidly,” she posted on social media.
National Pushback and Bipartisan Concerns
While West Virginia’s delegation stands with the president, not all lawmakers across the country are in agreement. A bipartisan majority in the U.S. Senate recently passed a bill to roll back some of the tariffs imposed on Canada — West Virginia’s top export partner.
In 2023, the state exported $181 million worth of goods to Canada, compared to $36.3 million to China and $21.2 million to Mexico. Despite this, both Capito and fellow West Virginia Senator Jim Justice voted against the Senate bill to reduce tariffs on Canadian goods.
Even as concerns grow among financial institutions — with firms like JP Morgan warning that prolonged tariffs could trigger a recession — West Virginia’s federal officials are betting on long-term economic gains.
