SE Connecticut News

Rep. Joe Courtney, who has served in the U.S. Congress representing Connecticut's 2nd district since 2007, expressed concerns over recent decisions made by President Trump regarding trade agreements and tariffs. In a series of tweets on February 2, 2025, Courtney highlighted potential negative impacts on both American consumers and industries.

In his first tweet, Rep. Courtney criticized President Trump's decision to alter the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He stated that this move could harm not only the agreement itself but also Congress's intention to strengthen democratic coalitions in the Northern Hemisphere. "President Trump’s decision to butcher the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which I voted for, that ensured free trade between great allies, will damage not only the intent of USMCA, but also the intent of Congress to strengthen the Northern Hemisphere’s democratic coalitions and…"

Courtney continued by addressing economic implications for American consumers and businesses in a subsequent tweet. He argued that tariffs would lead to increased costs for these groups, particularly affecting the housing sector. He suggested building more homes as a solution to reduce housing costs."Ultimately, the costs of these tariffs will be passed on to American consumers and businesses who are already facing high costs, particularly in the housing sector."

In his final tweet from February 2nd, Courtney shared concerns about how tariffs might impact U.S. shipbuilders relying on Canadian materials. As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, he warned that such measures could hinder shipbuilding production efforts at a critical time."As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I am also concerned about the increase in costs U.S. shipbuilders will face who rely on Canada for critical materials."