Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) got a harsh reckoning from the conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board on Monday, as she was exposed for talking out of both sides of her mouth on President Donald Trump's trade policies.
When the Supreme Court struck down Trump's first tariff scheme, the board wrote, Britt took to the papers to write, “What the media won’t tell you is that President Trump’s tariffs work. We are not going to return to the status quo of allowing American jobs and manufacturing to be sidelined in exchange for cheap junk from foreign adversaries.”
However, "What Ms. Britt won’t tell you is that she was privately seeking exemptions 10 months earlier. That’s when her legislative director wrote an email, 'Sen. Britt Alabama Trade Priorities,' seeking help for 'specific Alabama manufacturers.'"
Britt specifically asked for relief for a number of companies doing business in Alabama, making fireworks, recycled aluminum, wood panels, and aircraft. With regard to an Airbus plant, the board wrote, Britt's aide warned the White House that “Trade policy has made the project financially unviable,” and “Senator Britt is deeply concerned about the potential loss of high-quality American jobs.” It is unclear whether any of these companies actually got tariff relief.
In response to inquiries from the Journal, Britt said, “To support Alabama’s manufacturing growth, Senator Britt will continue to advocate for thoughtful policies with the Trump Administration, both in private deliberations and through public hearings.” Nevertheless, she stood by Trump's overall tariffs policies, saying he broke the cycle of U.S. leaders “treat[ing] globalization as a costless victory.”
"Tariffs for thee, exemptions for me," wrote the board. "Join the GOP club: In Mr. Trump’s first term, Sen. Josh Hawley lobbied for a carveout on saw blades, Rep. Mark Meadows on furniture wood, Rep. Andy Biggs on patio screens. Who else? When more records arrive, we’ll let you know."