Trump Cuts Tariffs For Over 100 Grocery Items

The White House published an executive order on Friday that cut tariffs for a variety of grocery items, including coffees, beef, teas, fruits, and spices.

The Details: The tariff exemptions, which took effect on Thursday, apply to over 100 specific, largely grocery, products. President Donald Trump also promised last week that US coffee prices will decrease by 20% this year. The order marks both a fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promise to enhance domestic affordability and a shift from his previous assurances that tariffs will not financially burden American consumers. 

RELATED: Track Trump’s Campaign Promises on Tariffs and Trade

Key Quote: The order states, “After considering the information and recommendations [various] officials have provided to me, the status of negotiations with various trading partners, current domestic demand for certain products, and current domestic capacity to produce certain products, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to further modify the scope of products subject to the reciprocal tariff imposed under Executive Order 14257, as amended.”

From the Left: This story was covered most prominently by media on the left, likely due to Trump’s stance shift made apparent in the order. CNBC (Lean Left bias), for example, wrote, “The move marks a reversal for Trump, who has insisted tariffs are necessary to protect US businesses and workers.” The outlet framed the order as a response to “political blowback” for high grocery prices. It did, however, note “experts caution that other factors such as global supply shortages also influence prices, especially for coffee and beef.”

From the Center: BBC (Center) similarly said “the move comes as his administration faces mounting pressure over rising prices. While Trump previously downplayed concerns about the cost of living, he has focused on the issue since his Republican Party’s poor performance [during the elections on Nov. 4].” It also stated, “While inflation remained milder than many analysts had expected in September, most items tracked in the Department of Labor inflation report showed price increases, with groceries up 2.7% from last year.”

From the Right: Washington Examiner (Lean Right) theorized, “This month’s off-year elections showed that voters are still focused on affordability, so the new exemptions could be part of the push to drive down prices for consumers ahead of next year’s midterm elections,” framing the order more as an exemplification of Trump giving the people what they want than as a forced shift. The outlet emphasized praise surrounding the quiet move but also noted “there are some goods that were not exempted that some in the US hoped would be,” such as certain liquor products. It uncharacteristically highlighted, “Trump has argued repeatedly that tariffs are helping the economy, but many voters disagree.”

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