California Republicans Boost Trump’s Tariff Plan, Even If It Makes Wildfire Recovery Efforts More Expensive

“There might be a little discomfort for a while,” one California lawmaker said.

A firefighter battles the Eaton Fire.

Republicans argue that it’s too soon to say if the tariffs would have an impact on rebuilding efforts. Ethan Swope/AP

Los Angeles is bracing for a massive rebuilding effort after this year’s wildfires, in what will likely be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

Those recovery costs could rise further still, after President Donald Trump announced last week a 25% across-the-board tariff on steel and aluminum. But California Republicans are firmly behind Trump’s tariff hikes, even if it means rebuilding is more expensive.

“There might be a little discomfort for a while, but in the long term, our production goes up and we have more domestic product, more jobs, more tax base, and we’re winners in the long run,” Rep. Doug LaMalfa told NOTUS.