# White House Maintains Tariff Strategy Despite Midterm Election Backlash Administration officials defend trade duties as economic pressure mounts and inflation concerns rise. - **Source:** [US Top News and Analysis](https://brifing.si/source/635540e9-943e-450d-ae52-ae0bfe3b67eb) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ad9ea03d-edbe-440a-8a69-7e89e9d3796d ## Administration Defends Tariff Policy The White House confirmed it will continue its aggressive tariff strategy despite recent midterm election results. Jim Goyer, director of the Office of Public Liaison, stated at the B20 summit that these measures are essential for rebuilding domestic manufacturing and securing national supply chains throughout the remainder of the president's current term. ## Economic Advisor Criticizes Costs Former economic advisor Gary Cohn challenged the administration's stance, labeling tariffs as a direct consumption tax on American citizens. During an onstage interview, he argued that these duties force consumers to pay higher prices, effectively shifting the financial burden from the government balance sheet onto the wallets of hardworking American families nationwide. ## Voter Sentiment and Inflation Public dissatisfaction regarding the cost of living played a significant role in the recent midterm elections. A CNBC Voter Poll revealed that nearly nine in ten voters identified living costs as a crucial factor, while a separate Reuters/Ipsos survey indicated that 62% of Americans support repealing the current administration's import tariff policies. ## Rising Price Pressures Consumer prices rose by 0.4% in October, surpassing initial expectations from economists. While energy costs driven by the conflict with Iran and other household expenses contribute to the strain, a Federal Reserve Bank of New York study suggests that 26% of tariff increases are passed directly to consumers over time. ## Potential Bipartisan Trade Path Despite the current divide, Gary Cohn suggested a possible bipartisan compromise for future trade policy. He proposed that the administration and the incoming Congress could make protections against unfair Chinese trade practices permanent while simultaneously rolling back tariffs on Canada, potentially creating a more stable framework that reduces future executive policy reversals. ## Corporate Supply Chain Shifts Global businesses are actively adapting to the new trade environment by regionalizing their supply chains. UPS CEO Carol Tomé noted that customers are moving production closer to home to mitigate risks. Additionally, UPS is expanding its Asian network with an $80 million air hub in the Philippines to improve global trade connectivity. ## Manufacturing Sector Perspectives Not all business leaders oppose the trade duties. Jim Fitterling, executive chairman of Dow, acknowledged that tariffs can increase prices but defended them as necessary tools. He argued that these measures are vital for combating unfair international competition and protecting the long-term viability of the United States industrial manufacturing sector. ## Legislative Outlook and Constraints Democrats intend to challenge the administration's trade agenda when they assume control of Congress in January. However, the president's broad trade authority and veto power present significant hurdles for those seeking to overturn existing policies. The current trade landscape remains fundamentally altered, with experts noting a permanent shift away from previous systems. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/10/trump-tariffs-midterms-gary-cohn-inflation.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._