Demand Honest Media Coverage of Trump’s Lies About Tariffs

Donald Trump has repeatedly lied about tariffs—claiming they punish foreign countries while hiding the reality that tariffs function as taxes on consumers, raise prices, and hurt working families. Even as courts, economists, and businesses warn of the damage, Trump continues to mislead the public about who actually pays the cost.

Too often, major media outlets repeat Trump’s tariff claims without clear fact-checking or bury the truth behind euphemisms like “trade policy disputes” or “economic strategy.” Treating falsehoods as opinions or framing them as partisan disagreements leaves readers confused and shields deliberate deception from accountability.

We call on news organizations to cover Trump’s tariff claims honestly and accurately—clearly stating when he is lying, explaining the real economic consequences for consumers and workers, and refusing to launder misinformation through false balance. The public deserves economic reporting grounded in facts, not propaganda masquerading as politics.