Nebraskans, lawmakers react to Trump's announcement of new tariffs

By Taylor Johnson

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - April 2 is now declared Liberation Day by President Trump. He signed an executive order imposing his global reciprocal tariff plan.

“For years, hard-working American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful. much of it at our own expense. But now, it’s our time to prosper,” President Trump said.

However, for some Nebraskans, freedom and prosperity is not what they’re feeling.

“Everything is just on a rise and when your income doesn’t get any bigger, it’s just impossible to keep up,” said Amanda Gershon, a Nebraska resident.

Gershon lives off of disability. For her, it’s already hard maintaining stability. While trying to keep herself afloat she’s also considering others through a food pantry she keeps in her yard. But she worries it could soon be empty.

“If everything goes up we won’t have that much on the shelves, despite the need being greater,” said Gershon.

“We’ll see it on impacts to the groceries that we buy to maintenance on our car for car parts. we will see it for almost every aspect of our lives,” said Angie Lauritsen, state director of Nebraska For Us.

In a statement, Sen. Pete Ricketts praised President Trump’s move, saying, in part: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses.”

But for those who don’t feel that equal treatment, Lauritsen is calling on them to take a stand.

“We need to make sure we are continuing to talk to our congressional delegation, make sure they are hearing from us, personal stories are the best,” said Lauritsen.

On April 16, Nebraska For Us is hosting a town hall including a panel of experts to discuss economic issues, including the tariffs. It’s their hope that Congressman Don Bacon will attend.