MADISON – Former Gov. Scott Walker says he’s no fan of tariffs but he’s willing to give President Donald Trump’s gamble on taxing foreign imports a chance.
Walker spoke Monday night to about 100 students and members of the public gathered at UW’s Grainger Hall for an event hosted by Young America’s Foundation, of which Walker is the president.
Walker, who spoke on a variety of topics, said he isn’t typically supportive of tariffs and favors open trade.
Former Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Monday, April 7, 2025.
But, he said, Trump is doing what he believes needs to be done to get America back on the same playing field as everyone else. Walker said that if anyone had read Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal,” they would know he’s a fan of tariffs.
“I think that can end up being a good thing as long as we eventually get the free trade because again, then Americans can compete,” he said. “We can innovate.”
Last Wednesday, Trump announced 10% tariffs on imports from all countries starting over the weekend, along with additional, steeper duties on dozens of countries that he alleges have treated the U.S. unfairly in trade. Those reciprocal tariffs are set to go into effect Wednesday.
His aggressive and sweeping tariffs have sparked a global trade war and sunk U.S. stocks.
More: Ron Johnson says he has ‘a lot of concerns’ over Trump tariffs, impacts on Wisconsin
Walker said the tariffs should not be permanent. They should end by Labor Day, and not be a permanent part of American policy.
“To me, tariffs are not a long-term solution, but I think there’s probably some merit, at least in what the president and some of his allies are trying to do right now to push back and at least attempt to level the playing field as much as possible,” he said.
Savannah Kuchar of USA TODAY contributed.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Scott Walker says Trump’s tariffs should end by Labor Day
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