Trump Finds Unlikely Ally in Democrat Over Tariffs: 'This is a Good Start'

President Donald Trump may have ruffled a few feathers with his sweeping new tariffs, but it looks like he's found an unexpected ally: Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat from Maine. In a surprising twist, Golden expressed cautious optimism about Trump's tariff agenda, which aligns closely with his own proposal for a universal 10% tariff on imports earlier this year. Talk about opposites attracting—at least on economic policy.

Golden stated, "What I can say now is I’m pleased the president is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10% tariff like the one I proposed in the BUILT USA Act. This ring fence around the American economy is a good start to erasing our unsustainable trade deficits." While Golden’s words don’t suggest a full-blown endorsement, they certainly stand out in a sea of Democratic disapproval.

The congressman emphasized that tariffs alone won’t cut it: "Tariffs must be paired with policies that prioritize American families’ prosperity." He called for measures like supporting unions, boosting apprenticeship programs, cutting restrictive regulations, and using tariff revenue to aid domestic manufacturers. Essentially, he wants to ensure working Americans see actual benefits—not just the corporations cashing in.

Golden’s comments contrast sharply with other Democrats, like Rep. Debbie Dingell from Michigan, who warned against the "chaotic and immediate implementation" of Trump’s tariffs. And then there’s Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, who plans to introduce a resolution to end what he calls Trump’s "made-up national emergency." The battle lines are clearly drawn, but Golden seems to be playing Switzerland—well, sort of.

Trump’s tariff plan includes a universal 10% tax on imports, along with tariffs of up to 50% on foreign adversaries and allies alike. Reciprocal tariffs are also part of the mix, though the U.S. rates are generally lower than those of other countries. In Trump’s words, "April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn." Dramatic, much?

Golden has a history of breaking ranks with his party, which makes his stance less shocking than it might seem at first glance. Representing Maine’s 2nd Congressional District—a region Trump won by 10% in 2024—Golden’s pragmatic approach could be aimed at appealing to his constituents who favor Trump’s economic vision.

While Golden’s optimism stops short of full-fledged support, his willingness to engage with Trump’s tariff policies marks a rare moment of bipartisan dialogue. Whether this leads to meaningful cooperation or just polite nods across the aisle remains to be seen.