U.S. Senator and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). Photo: Special Arrangement
Powerful American Senator and Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) has accused President Donald Trump of weakening America’s global standing and driving India toward closer ties with Russia and China through his tariff policies.
In a Senate floor speech, Mr. Durbin warned that Mr. Trump’s trade measures were hurting American families while reshaping global alignments. “President Trump’s tariff policies have pushed India away from us and toward our rivals. Instead of strengthening our hand, they are weakening our position around the globe,” he said.
Mr. Durbin linked tariffs to rising inflation in the United States, with the cost of school supplies up 12 percent and basic items like vegetables, coffee, and eggs significantly higher. “His misguided tariff wars have led to fear, uncertainty, and higher prices for American consumers,” he said.
He added that U.S. manufacturing could lose nearly $500 billion in investment by 2029, hurting traditional industrial hubs.
Beyond economics, Mr. Durbin said Trump’s approach risked eroding U.S. influence. “Just last week, Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Xi of China — our biggest adversaries — were seen smiling with Prime Minister Modi of India during a trilateral meeting,” Durbin said. “These tariffs mean higher prices, less opportunity, and a weaker standing abroad.”
Mr. Durbin called for a reversal of the policies, describing them as chaotic, inflationary, and internationally damaging.
“Now, some targeted tariffs in areas where there is unfair foreign competition can be warranted, but that is not what is happening,” said Durbin. “What we have is chaos. Everyone knows this sloppy approach by this Administration is a bad deal for the American people, and yet another example of executive overreach by this President, which is why the courts have ruled these tariffs illegal. But instead of respecting the courts, Trump has doubled down. On a Truth Social post, he said, ‘Without Tariffs… our Country would be completely destroyed, and our military power would be instantly obliterated,’” he said.
(This article is published in an arrangement with 5wh.com)
Published – September 05, 2025 08:43 am IST