Holding Jenniffer González Accountable: Trump’s Tariffs and Their Economic Consequences
The recent announcement of tariffs by former President Donald Trump—25% on imports from Mexico and Canada (with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products) and 10% on imports from China—has profound implications for Puerto Rico’s economy. However, these concerns are exacerbated by Puerto Rico’s own leadership, specifically Governor Jennifer González, a staunch MAGA supporter who aligns herself with Trump’s policies. As Puerto Ricans, we must hold her accountable for supporting economic measures that will undoubtedly harm our island.
How Trump’s Tariffs Will Hurt Puerto Rico
1. Escalating Costs for Puerto Rican Consumers Due to Tariffs and the Jones Act
Higher Costs for Consumers Puerto Rico already struggles with high import costs due to the Jones Act, which requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported on U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed ships. The added tariffs will further drive up the prices of essential goods like food, fuel, and medical supplies (An in-depth analysis of how U.S. economic policies have historically shaped Puerto Rico’s financial dependence highlights how these tariffs will further exacerbate the island’s economic struggles.).
2. The Agricultural Sector in Crisis: Labor Shortages and Rising Costs
Agriculture at Risk Trump’s anti-immigration policies, which González has not opposed, will worsen Puerto Rico’s agricultural labor crisis. Many agricultural workers in the U.S. and its territories, including Puerto Rico, are migrants. Stricter immigration laws will lead to labor shortages, hurting local farms and increasing dependency on expensive imported produce. Mexico is a key exporter of fresh produce to the U.S. and Puerto Rico, meaning food shortages and price hikes could become more common (Governor Jennifer González’s unwavering support for MAGA policies continues to exacerbate Puerto Rico’s economic struggles, as she aligns herself with Trump’s harmful policies without considering their long-term consequences.).

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Additionally, Puerto Rico’s reliance on imported food has historical roots tied to U.S. intervention, as highlighted in Bianca Graulau’s video How the U.S. Changed the Puerto Rican Diet. The video covers:
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The decline of local agriculture due to supermarket dominance
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The impact of food sovereignty on Puerto Rico’s economy
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Health effects caused by increased dependence on imported food
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The role of agroecological farming as a means of economic resistance and liberation
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3. Economic Downturn: The Growing Challenge for Puerto Rico's Businesses
Economic Stagnation Puerto Rico’s economy is still struggling to recover from debt crises, natural disasters, and pandemic-induced slowdowns. The tariffs could deter foreign investment and trade partnerships, making it harder for local businesses to thrive. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Mexico and China are two of the top suppliers of goods to the U.S., which means that retaliatory tariffs or increased costs will negatively impact local businesses in Puerto Rico.
4. Global Trade Conflicts and Their Ripple Effect on Puerto Rico
Retaliatory Trade Measures The U.S. tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China will likely lead to countermeasures, further increasing costs for businesses that rely on materials and products from these countries. Puerto Rican businesses dependent on mainland U.S. imports will feel the brunt of these policies (Anthony Ramos to Trump: 'Don’t Mess with Puerto Rico').
Jennifer González’s Complicity in Economic Harm
González has repeatedly aligned herself with Trump’s MAGA agenda, even when those policies directly harm Puerto Rico. Her unwavering support for Trump and his economic measures raises serious concerns about her priorities as governor. Instead of advocating for policies that protect Puerto Rican workers and businesses, she continues to push a right-leaning agenda that prioritizes Trump’s interests over our economic well-being.
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Her support for Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy left Puerto Rico without key federal funding.
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She has failed to push back against the Jones Act, which already strains our economy (Alastor Exposes Jennifer González’s Political Neglect of Puerto Rico).
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Her alignment with Trump’s anti-immigration stance ignores the critical role migrant labor plays in sustaining Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector.
What Can We Do?
It’s time to demand answers from our governor. Puerto Ricans deserve a leader who will fight for economic policies that benefit the island, not someone who rubber-stamps Trump’s harmful measures. We must:
- Support Investigative journalists like Bianca Graulau, share their content, and ensure you interact with it to help spread the information.
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Pressure González to take a stand against these tariffs and advocate for Puerto Rico’s economic interests.
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Push for Jones Act exemptions to reduce the cost of imported goods.
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Advocate for fair immigration policies that support Puerto Rico’s workforce and agriculture.
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Support leaders who prioritize Puerto Rico’s needs over party loyalty.
Governor Jennifer González cannot claim to support Puerto Rico while endorsing policies that actively undermine our economy. If she truly stands with the people, she must break away from MAGA politics and defend Puerto Rico from the disastrous impact of Trump’s tariffs and economic policies. Until then, we must remain vigilant, vocal, and ready to challenge leadership that does not serve our best interests.
Citations & Further Reading:
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Pueblo International, Inc. (1979). Annual Report. Retrieved from David Gleason Archive.
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Aluli, N., Jones, K., Reyes, P. et al. (2009). Diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in Native Hawaiians. Hawaii Med J, 68, 152–157.
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Batista, C. (2024, June 13). Las Caras Sucias de la Energía Limpia. Mijente. Retrieved from Mijente.
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Bridgman, B., Maio, M., Schmitz, J. A., & Teixeira, A. (2012). What Ever Happened to the Puerto Rican Sugar Manufacturing Industry? Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Research Department Staff Report 477. Retrieved from Federal Reserve Bank.
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Chambers, J. (2024, January 10). Puerto Rico looks to go local to reduce food import dependence. Marketplace. Retrieved from Marketplace.
These sources provide additional context on Puerto Rico’s economic and agricultural struggles under U.S. policies.
