ICYMI: Zinke Too Scared to Lay Into President Trump’s Disastrous Looming Trade War

Zinke on CNN: “It hurts Montana more than anyone else.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 11, 2025

CONTACT
gaby@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT— Congressman Ryan Zinke made multiple national news appearances in the last week acknowledging the harm President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China will cause for working Montanans and their families, but stopped short of denouncing the President’s reckless actions or calling for an end to Trump’s looming trade war. 

“On the trade war, there’s unintended consequences. Montana has 86% of our trade with Canada,” said Zinke on News Nation. “So, it’s gonna be uneven. In Montana, because of our vulnerabilities, is gonna get hit probably more than anyone else.”

Zinke joined CNN’s The Lead and discussed the importance of free trade and how tariffs on China would hurt grain and pulse crop growers by reducing markets and placing the burden on Montana farmers. Once again, Zinke continued to show his complete disregard for Montanans and their livelihoods, siding with Trump’s brash “negotiating tactics”, reassuring the audience he believes they will be short-term.

When asked by the host if Montana farmers are willing to take a short-term disruption or brief pain, Zinke responded by saying yes and quickly pivoted to an unrelated rant filled with nonsensical Republican immigration talking points.

“Donald Trump has turned Montana’s national delegation into a band of spineless cowards,” said Interim Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party, Justin Ailport. “Congressman Zinke knows better. He’s fully aware of the uncertainty, pain, and destruction Trump’s tariffs will cause for Montanans, and yet he lacks the courage to stand up for his constituents and insists on defending President Trump’s policies on national television. Montanans deserve better.”

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