You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, Brunswick Beacon

Brunswick Beacon, 05.15.25

Trump says ‘tariff’ is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary. Because tariffs are going to make us rich as hell.”

Contrary to Trump’s claim, tariffs are taxes paid by consumers. That’s why The Wall Street Journal called this “the dumbest trade war in history.” Trump erased $11 trillion in wealth because investors and 89% of Americans (according to an April Gallup poll) understand that tariffs raise prices. 

The CEOs of Home Depot, Target and Walmart warned Trump that prices will skyrocket and their shelves will soon be empty because of his tariffs. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of The Port of Los Angeles, reports that “all shipments out of China for major retailers and manufacturers have ceased.” Seroka says major retailers have “about a six-to-eight-week supply of inventory in their systems now that will quickly dry up.”

Two Trump administration officials and a Trump aide told Rolling Stone that they have begun stockpiling toilet paper, food and household supplies. When asked why, the Trump aide said, “Because it would be stupid not to!”

Christmas toy production is usually in full swing by now. China produces 80 percent of all toys and 90 percent of Christmas merchandise sold in America. Trump’s 145% tariff on China means “a high probability of a toy shortage this holiday season,” said Greg Ahearn, chief executive of an industry group representing 850 toy manufacturers. 

Asked about Christmas toy shortages, Trump said, “maybe children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls. And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally.” Trump, a billionaire, says your kids deserve less: “They don't need to have 250 pencils. They can have 5.” 

Now I know how Cindy Lou Who felt when she caught the Grinch stuffing her Christmas tree up the chimney. Instead of “Tariffs will make us rich as hell,” Trump’s new message is, “Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas.”

Vince Amoroso

Sunset Beach