NW Bergen News

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who serves in the U.S. Congress representing New Jersey's 5th district, expressed his concerns about the impact of tariffs on small businesses and families in North Jersey. Congressman Gottheimer, who stepped into office after Scott Garrett in 2017, continues to actively engage in legislative activities that aim to protect the financial interests of his constituency.

On April 2, 2025, Rep. Gottheimer stressed the importance of small businesses to the local economy by stating, "Our small businesses in North Jersey create good-paying jobs and support our local economies. They are the backbone of our communities. Tariffs are just an extra tax on Jersey small businesses and families, and I’ll fight them tooth and nail."

Later that day, at 19:36, Gottheimer criticized former President Trump's tariff plan, stating, "Trump’s tariff plan is nothing but a direct TAX on hardworking Jersey families, whacking them with at least $2,000 a year in EXTRA costs. I’m introducing legislation to fight back against these reckless tariffs so we can make life more affordable for Jersey families." This announcement accompanies the instigation of new legislation aimed at countering Trump’s policies.

At 21:57, he reiterated the burden these tariffs impose, further adding, "President Trump’s sweeping tariffs will tax Jersey families at least $2,000 a year. I remain laser-focused on making life more affordable for Jersey families. Today is not a “Day of Liberation” — it’s a day of higher costs and more chaos." His focus remains on mitigating the financial burden these tariffs threaten to place on local families.