Minnesota Republican Tom Emmer says tariffs will make farmers love Trump

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) applauded President Donald Trump’s tariff policy, bizarrely arguing that higher tariffs will only make farmers love the president even more.

Emmer made the comments on “The Al Travis Show,” a conservative talk show, on Wednesday. During the interview, Emmer recalled a recent conversation he had with Trump regarding the president’s tariff policy with countries like Canada and Mexico, conceding that the retaliatory measures from other countries will “cause them [American people] some pain.”

Emmer implied that the financial strife caused by the trade war is worth it because Trump will become more popular.

“When people start seeing 270% tariffs, 150% tariffs, 10% tariffs, and they see how it’s screwing our people, this is just going to make Donald Trump stronger,” Emmer said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) says Trump’s Canada tariffs will make him popular:

“When people start seeing 270% tariffs, 150% tariffs, 100% tariffs, and they see how it’s screwing our people, this is just going to make Donald Trump stronger.” pic.twitter.com/0x4TdLW9yU

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) March 14, 2025

The trade war Trump began during his first administration reportedly cost the U.S. agriculture industry as much as $27 billion. Some farmers were already seeing unprofitability in their work, with Trump’s new wave of tariffs being described as adding “insult to injury” by CNBC. After Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China, the opposing nation responded with retaliatory measures, including as much as 15% on U.S. agricultural goods.

Emmer serves as the majority whip for the U.S. House of Representatives. He has served Minnesota’s 6^th Congressional district since 2015.