Tariffs, looming government shutdown fuel fears in Colorado

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

Colorado Democrats are warning Trump-backed tariffs and a looming federal government shutdown could drive up costs and cause economic insecurity for Coloradans, sparking sharp pushback from Republicans who say they are “crying wolf.”

From day one of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, the state’s Democrats have warned of the potential consequences. On Thursday, the message was no different.

“Why do steaks cost so much? Donald Trump taxed beef with his tariffs,” said U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colorado. “Now you’re paying more at the store.”

Also on Thursday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis posted a statement decrying tariffs.

“Trump’s tariffs are hurting hardworking Colorado businesses, families, and farmers,” Polis said. “America should be expanding trade, not stifling it.”

Yet Colorado Republicans have a very different take on tariffs, pointing to surging tariff revenue, which hit over $200 billion in revenue so far this year. They labeled the Democratic governor’s rhetoric “alarmism.”

“CO Dems love to cry wolf so much,” said the Colorado Republican Party in response to the tariff news.

Overall, Republicans don’t disagree that Colorado’s economy is hurting. But, instead of blaming tariffs, they blame Democratic policies.

“Colorado’s economy is on the brink, and hardworking Coloradans are paying the price! CO Dems’ reckless policies have driven our state to the edge of a recession,” said the Colorado Republican Party following the release of the Quarter Three Economic Forecast. “CO Dems’ policies are crushing small businesses and squeezing families.”

Tariffs aren’t the only concern for Colorado Democrats, though.

As a potential federal government shutdown looms at the end of the month, Democrats are also pointing fingers at the Republicans for the stalemate.

“Republicans must stop playing games and work with us to keep costs down and prevent a shutdown,” said U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Colorado.

If a shutdown does happen, which would be the first since 2018, Pettersen predicts thousands of Coloradans could be substantially impacted.

Her Colorado estimates include 52,000 service members working without pay, nearly 90,000 Coloradans losing access to food assistance, and 44,000 federal employees working without pay.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, said he will be a no vote on the Republican-proposed budget resolution.

“Here’s the math: Trump needs 7 Democrats in the Senate to agree to his bill to fund the government,” Hickenlooper said. “I’m a No vote unless we address sky-high costs caused by health care cuts and tariffs.”

Colorado Republicans say Democrats are prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens, referring to their plan to continue taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants.

“Democrats are threatening to shut the government down if they don’t get their Radical Wishlist of demands of $1 Trillion for illegal immigrants,” said the Colorado Republican Party. “They’d rather see seniors, veterans, and our military suffer at their expense.”