From early February to mid-February of 2025, President Donald Trump has initiated significant changes to U.S. trade policy through a series of tariff implementations. On February 1st, 2025, he announced a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, excluding energy products from Canada, which would face a 10% tariff. However, these tariffs were paused for one month following agreements with both countries to enhance border security measures. Subsequently, on February 10th, President Trump expanded tariffs by imposing a 25% duty on all steel and aluminum imports, effective March 12th, 2025, removing previous exemptions for nations such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. Further, on February 13th, he signed a memorandum directing the development of “reciprocal tariffs,” aiming to match the import taxes that other countries impose on U.S. products, thereby addressing perceived trade imbalances.

Starting on February 3rd with ABC Seattle, Thomas Fellows began interviewing with local affiliate stations throughout the country on how these tariffs would affect each city’s businesses and consumers.   While he generally spoke to the fact that the tariffs would hurt each city’s local businesses and consumers, he did concede in an interview with CBS Chattanooga that “one good thing that came from the tariffs was increased border patrol from Canada and Mexico. Obviously, there (is) a lot of Fentanyl going across the border and there are a lot of undocumented immigrants who have entered the United States under the Biden Administration.”

A few reasons he was against the tariffs is that they go against what Adam Smith wrote in “The Wealth of Nations.”  In an Op-ed in the Virginian Pilot, he wrote that “Smith’s teachings make it clear that tariffs, despite their protective veneer, damage the very economy they purport to help. “’In general, if any branch of trade, or any division of labour, be advantageous to the public, the freer and more general the competition, it will always be the more so.’” In an interview with NBC Harlingen, TX, he also quoted Adam Smith who further said in “The Wealth of Nations” that “The division of labor, however, so far as it can be introduced, occasions, in every art, a proportionable increase of the productive powers of labour.”

Another reason why Fellows was against the tariffs is because he felt like in some ways, they mirrored the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which didn’t cause The Great Depression, but exacerbated it. In an interview with ABC Albuquerque, NM, he spoke to the fact that, “The reason why it's similar is because of protectionism, retaliatory measures, and economic disruption.” Despite the similarities with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, he explained that there are also a few key differences under Trump's administration, such as broadened vs. target application, unilateral action, and negotiated agreements. He also said that our economy is also a lot different now than it was 100 years ago.”

On several stations, Fellows spoke to the fact that tariffs would hurt the lower, lower-middle, and middle class the most.  This is because people in the socioeconomic classes spend the vast majority of their money on food, fuel, and utilities, all items that would be affected by the tariffs. 

On ABC Rochester, NY Fellows spoke to the fact that many Republicans were against the tariffs, but didn’t have the guts to stick up to Trump: "Trump, as you know, is very stubborn," adding, "He knows economics very well, obviously, and many Republicans are afraid to stick up to Trump."

Lastly, from a pure economic standpoint, on NBC Harlingen, TX, Fellows spoke to the fact that “If Mexico can produce avocados more efficiently relative to other goods than the U.S. can, Mexico has a comparative advantage in avocado production. Tariffs on Mexican avocados would disrupt this efficiency, leading to higher prices and reduced availability in the U.S., thereby decreasing overall economic welfare. If Canada can produce lumber at a lower cost than the U.S., it holds an absolute advantage in lumber production. Imposing tariffs on Canadian lumber would increase costs for U.S. consumers and industries reliant on lumber, as they would either pay higher prices for imports or incur higher costs producing it domestically.” 

He later went on to say, “While tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they often disrupt the benefits derived from absolute and comparative advantages, leading to inefficiencies, higher consumer prices, and strained international relations.”

In an interview with ABC Alexandria, LA, Fellows encouraged local industries and consumers to reach out to elected officials with their concerns. He also advised consumers to be mindful of their spending, suggesting that buying generic brands could help manage costs. “Reach out to your Republican lawmakers to have them reach out to Trump,” he said. “Buy generic when you can. For the most part, those generic items are just as good.”