NIAGARA FALLS, NY – August 4, 2025 – Standing alongside local business and tourism leaders against the iconic backdrop of Niagara Falls, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today sharply criticized President Trump’s rash tariffs on Canada, declaring them a direct threat to thousands of jobs, family budgets, and small businesses across Western New York. Schumer announced his intention to force a Senate vote to terminate what he described as Trump’s “chaotic trade wars,” emphasizing the urgent need to protect American workers and consumers from escalating costs and economic fallout.
“Trump’s impulsive tariffs are slamming Western New York’s economy, jacking up prices on everyday essentials, and crippling our vital tourism industry,” Schumer stated during the press conference. “From families struggling with higher grocery bills to businesses facing job losses, enough is enough. I’m here with community leaders to fight back and demand real relief for hardworking New Yorkers.”
The event highlighted stark data on the tariffs’ consequences, including:
– A 37.5% increase in prices for clothes and apparel.
– A 7% rise in costs for fresh produce.
– 12.3% higher prices for cars.
– 7.3% escalation in computers and electronics.
– A staggering drop of 973,000 fewer travelers crossing the U.S.-Canadian border into Western New York since Trump took office, severely impacting tourism-dependent communities.
Schumer pointed to the broader ripple effects, noting that these policies have threatened cross-border trade essential to the region’s manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality sectors. He accused the administration of prioritizing political posturing over practical solutions, arguing that the tariffs have fueled inflation without delivering promised benefits to American industries.
Joined by local officials, business owners, and tourism advocates, Schumer outlined his plan to rally Senate Democrats and moderate Republicans for a vote aimed at rolling back the tariffs. “We can’t let Trump’s trade wars continue to tank our economy and hurt our families,” he added. “It’s time for Congress to step up and put an end to this chaos.”
This push comes amid growing bipartisan concerns over trade policies that have strained U.S.-Canada relations, a key partnership for border states like New York. Schumer’s office emphasized that swift action could restore economic stability, boost job creation, and lower costs for consumers nationwide.