Aug 19, 03:43 PM

Democrats Target Trump’s Tariffs and ‘Big Ugly’ Law as School Costs Climb

House Democrats are escalating their attacks on President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, contending that his wide-ranging tariff regime and the recently enacted “Big Ugly” budget law are driving up living costs just as families gear up for the new school year. In statements on 18–19 Aug., lawmakers said the statute’s reductions to food assistance, Medicaid and other programs would combine with higher import duties to push grocery, utility and health-care costs even higher. Rep. Gabe Amo cited an analysis by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse estimating the law would force $536 billion in Medicare cuts over the next decade to finance tax reductions tilted toward high-income households. Recent price data underscore the squeeze. Sen. Elizabeth Warren highlighted a 40% jump in wholesale vegetable prices in July, while Deloitte calculates that the average packed school lunch now costs $6.15, up nearly 3% from last year. A Century Foundation review shows the price of a typical basket of school supplies has risen 7.3% for 2025, and the National Retail Federation says the effective tariff rate on many back-to-school imports has climbed to 18%, more than triple the 2024 level.