July 14, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivered a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump's trade and healthcare policies during a Sunday appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, arguing that Trump’s tariffs are adversely affecting the very communities that supported him in past elections.
“People in Kentucky voted for Trump hoping he would help them make ends meet,” Beshear said. “Instead, now they’re paying more.” He emphasized that Trump won Kentucky by over 30 percentage points in 2020, yet many working-class families in the state are now facing rising living costs — largely driven by what Beshear described as an erratic and punitive trade strategy.
Mounting Trade Tensions
In the past week alone, the Trump campaign signaled tariff threats to more than 20 countries. On Monday, 14 nations received notice of potential tariffs, and by Wednesday that number had grown to 21, including countries such as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Moldova. Brazil, currently facing a 50% tariff threat, is widely viewed as a focal point in what some experts interpret as retaliation for the ongoing prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro — a longtime Trump ally.
Beshear condemned the administration’s evolving approach to trade as “chaotic.”
“One day it’s broad tariffs, then it’s reciprocal, then it’s sector-specific,” he said. “Now it’s tariffs based on personal grievances. It’s complete chaos — and it’s driving up costs for American families.”
Kentucky’s Global Economic Ties at Risk
The governor also warned that Trump's aggressive trade policies jeopardize critical economic relationships for Kentucky, particularly with Canada and Japan. Canada accounts for over 22% of Kentucky’s exports, while Japan remains a key investor in the state’s economy.
“Japan has invested in Kentucky like in no other U.S. state,” Beshear stated. “The largest Toyota manufacturing plant outside of Japan is not in China or Germany — it’s in Georgetown, Kentucky.”
Erosion of Support Among Trump’s Base
Recent polling suggests that support for Trump’s tariff policies may be waning even among his traditional voter base. A June survey conducted by Politico and Public First found that one in four Trump voters believe tariffs hinder trade negotiations. When asked whether they would support tariffs on China at the expense of higher domestic prices, fewer than half responded affirmatively.
Criticism of New Medicaid Requirements
In addition to trade, Beshear voiced opposition to a recently signed healthcare law that mandates Medicaid recipients prove they are employed or risk losing their coverage.
“It’s a trap,” Beshear said. “They’re counting on people making paperwork mistakes so they can deny coverage.”
He cited estimates projecting that up to 5 million Americans could lose Medicaid by 2034 — not because they’re ineligible, but due to documentation errors. According to Beshear, the most vulnerable populations will be hit hardest, including parents of disabled children, family caregivers, and individuals already facing significant personal and financial burdens.
“It’s cruel. It’s unfair,” he concluded.
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