As Tariffs on Chinese Goods Move Forward, Cramer Turns His Back on North Dakotans

As the Trump administration moves ahead with $50 billion of tariffs on Chinese goods, ag producers brace for blowback

(BISMARCK, ND) — Now that the Trump administration announced its plans to move forward with tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods, North Dakotans are wondering: Why Kevin Cramer has been saluting harmful measures like these, risking real harm to the livelihoods of North Dakota farmers and ranchers?

It’s no secret Congressman Cramer is a follower and not a leader — embracing the administration’s misguided trade policies even as North Dakota’s farmers and manufacturers brace for the negative impact Chinese targeted retaliation would have on their industries. He’s been called out again and again, but he has remained dismissive of farmer’s concerns and willing to sacrifice their livelihoods to advance his career.

“Just like too many members of Congress who are in Washington for themselves and not the people they represent, Congressman Cramer has been falling in line to climb the political ladder rather than standing with farmers and ranchers on trade issues,” said Scott McNeil, Executive Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “China is a key market for North Dakota farmers, but Cramer would rather see that door closed than push back on policies that will do real damage to farmers’ bottom line. The crops are already in the ground, and they’re going to need a market come harvest time. If Kevin Cramer has his way, there will be nowhere for them to go.”