Pressley Slammed Trump’s Chaotic Tariff War, Highlighted Harmful Impact on Families With Babies and Young Children

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the harmful impact of Trump’s tariffs on families with young children and asked if he would support an exemption to tariffs on baby products and other items that parents need to care for their kids, such as car seats. In response to her sharp questioning, Secretary Bessent conceded that such an exemption was “under consideration.”

Congresswoman Pressley also underscored the harm felt by small business owners, parents, and other constituents in the Massachusetts 7^th who are dealing with rising costs due to Trump’s tariffs and urged the Trump Administration to immediately reverse course.

Last month, Congresswoman Pressley joined 45 colleagues in sending a Congressional letter to the Trump Administration imploring them to end tariffs on essential baby goods.

A full transcript of her line of questioning is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: After Pressure from Pressley, Treasury Secretary Says Ending Tariffs on Essential Baby Products “Under Consideration”
House Financial Services Committee
May 7, 2025

REP. PRESSLEY: Secretary Bessent, you have heard from Democrats publicly and I’m certain you’ve heard from Republicans privately that this administration’s reckless and chaotic tariff policy is wreaking havoc on our economy.

Rather than delivering stability for our country, this Trump tariff tantrum has been inconsistent, counterproductive, and disconnected from reality. 

In my district, the Massachusetts 7th, I am hearing it from everyone.

Small business owners are reeling from the unpredictable on-again, off-again tariffs. They’re holding back on expansion, delaying hiring, and bracing for the impact.

Local and state officials are telling me about the effect tariffs will have on our state budget. Simultaneously, Massachusetts will see energy bills increase while revenue from tourism will decrease.

But I want to focus on the constituent outreach that I’ve received from everyday families who are just fighting to make ends meet.

Yes or no. Mr. Secretary, do you know what a car seat is?

SEC. BESSENT: I have two children, yes. 

REP. PRESSLEY: I figured as much, it’s correct you and your husband have two children.

So I am sure you know that car seats are absolutely essential for families when traveling with babies and toddlers to school, to worship, to doctor’s appointments, just everyday living. 

But not only are car seats essential, they are the law of the land. It’s the law of the land in 50 states. So there’s no getting around that.

Mr. Secretary, what’s your estimate of how many babies are born in the United States each year?

SEC. BESSENT: I’m gonna guess 2-3 million. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Well, while the number fluctuates, there have consistently been more than 3.5 million babies born in the United States. That means millions of families in this country are doing what? Buying a car seat, because it’s essential and it is the law of the land in all 50 states. 

But now, that cost is going up because Trump has announced up to 145% tariffs on Chinese imported products.

Approximately, 9 out of every 10 car seats in the U.S. come from China. That’s a steep cost, a steep cost hike for families all over the country. The price is up in Republican districts and in Democratic districts.

And it’s not just the car seats that are impacted. We’re talking about strollers, cribs, high chairs. No family is exempt from the harm of these Trump tariffs on essential baby products.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Mr. Chair, I would like to enter into the record a Yahoo Finance article from May 2025 entitled, “First Year Baby Expenses Already Top $20,000 and Tariffs Are Adding to the Bill As China Dominates Key Imports.”

CHAIR: Without objection.

REP. PRESSLEY: Look, I support improving manufacturing in America, but that is not going into effect overnight, like these tariffs are. There needs to be an exemption to help America’s families.

Trump has used his power for tariff exemptions on thermoplastics, semiconductors, but what about baby products?

Mr. Secretary, do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their kids? Yes or no?

SEC. BESSENT: Congresswoman, what you’re referring to are—

REP. PRESSLEY: Yes or no.

SEC. BESSENT: What you’re referring to are–

REP. PRESSLEY: I’m reclaiming my time because I don’t want you to filibuster and give me some macroeconomic answer. Families at home are hurting … just give me a direct answer. 

SEC. BESSENT: I am going to agree with you. 

REP. PRESSLEY: So yes, you do support an exemption on tariffs for products that are essential for families for their babies?

SEC. BESSENT: We are considering exemptions on E-4 items, which…

REP. PRESSLEY: I’m sorry I have to reclaim my time. I’m reclaiming my time. 

Mr. Chair. I am reclaiming my time. Give me my time back. I’m reclaiming my time.

I just want a simple yes or no: do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their kids? Because you all claim you’re pro-family.

I cannot hear the words you say because I see the things that you do, every day. So clear it up.

Yes or no. Do you support an exemption to tariffs on items that parents need to care for their babies? 

SEC. BESSENT: It is under consideration. 

REP. PRESSLEY: Great. Good.

I don’t know what’s stopping an exemption from going into effect today, so do it now.

In Donald Trump’s America, yesterday’s price is not today’s price. Costs are going up. Everyone is suffering, especially our families with young children.

Mr. Secretary, I’m making an appeal to you on behalf of the people of this country. Please tell occupant Trump to reverse course and stop hurting America’s families.

I yield back.

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