Pressley Has Repeatedly Pressed Trump Admin. to Support an Exemption, Highlighting Harmful Impact on Families with Babies and Young Children

Treasury and Trump Have Said Exemption Was “Under Consideration,” and Bessent Affirmed That Last Week After Questioning from Pressley

BOSTON – Today, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, renewed her calls for the Trump Administration to support an exemption to tariffs on baby products and other items that parents need to care for their kids, such as car seats. Congresswoman Pressley has repeatedly pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to support an exemption, highlighting the harmful impact of Trump’s tariffs on families with young children.

Last week, during questioning from Congresswoman Pressley, Secretary Bessent told the Congresswoman to “watch this space after President Xi’s visit.”

“Donald Trump’s reckless and chaotic tariff policy is continuing to wreak havoc on our economy, and families with young children are no exception. With the cost of essential baby products like car seats, strollers, and highchairs skyrocketing due to Trump’s tariffs, it’s time for the Trump Administration to stop hurting America’s families and create an exemption for these essential goods,” said Congresswoman Pressley in a statement. “We don’t need any more lip service from this Administration—we need action.”

In a May 2025 House Financial Services Committee hearing, after sharp questioning from Congresswoman Pressley, Secretary Bessent conceded that such an exemption was “under consideration,” which was later reaffirmed by President Trump.

In February 2026, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Secretary Bessent commit to his prior support for exempting baby products from Trump’s tariffs.

In April 2025, Congresswoman Pressley joined 45 colleagues in sending a Congressional letter to the Trump Administration imploring them to end tariffs on essential baby goods.

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