Steelworkers from the Pittsburgh area gathered at a recent rally for former President Donald Trump, proudly crediting his steel tariffs for what they claim is job preservation in the industry. During a Monday morning appearance on Fox News, several members shared their thoughts on how Trump’s 2018 tariffs on steel and aluminum saved their livelihoods, proving yet again that sometimes government intervention can be a good thing when it’s the right intervention.
A steelworker named Brian Pavlack took the stage at the Latrobe, Pennsylvania rally, where he wasted no time in reiterating that Trump’s tariffs worked wonders for the working class. He led the charge in expressing gratitude for the former president’s contribution, suggesting that meeting Trump was like meeting a hero for those who rely on the steel industry. The clear takeaway: sometimes tariffs aren’t just a line item in a budget but a literal lifeline holding up families and jobs.
Pennsylvania steelworkers on why they are supporting President Trump:
"Historically, we've all been Democrats — When President Trump stepped in and imposed those tariffs on the Chinese, I firmly believed he saved the steel industry."#Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/GLeMy4vfMS
— PatriotJuls 1776 (@JRColbert1) October 21, 2024
The excitement among the union members doesn’t stop at nostalgia; it also has a political angle. Historically, union workers have leaned toward the Democratic Party—though it appears the tides may be turning, at least for some groups. With big names like the International Association of Fire Fighters deciding not to endorse any candidates in the upcoming election, it seems that many working-class voters are opening their eyes to the Republican option. The Teamsters have also refrained from throwing their weight behind either Trump or Biden, making the political chess game for union endorsements particularly riveting.
When skirmishes with China over steel dumping flared up in the past, Pavlack pointed out that the former international president of their union was fighting hard for the workers. Yet, when Trump stepped into office and implemented those tariffs, he bolstered the steel industry. Glenn Thomas, a third-generation steelworker, emphasized how critical these moves were for keeping jobs in America, especially in the Mon Valley, showing that sometimes common-sense protectionism goes a long way in ensuring American workers don’t drown in the wake of international trade.
Another worker, Andy Macey, highlighted the long-standing fears of industry collapse. Having experienced the shutdown of multiple mills in the 1980s, he understands the gravity of keeping the remaining mills operational. With Trump’s verbal commitments sealed with a handshake, Macey expresses a hope that history won’t repeat itself. His sentiment echoes the sentiments of many: while the past is filled with lost opportunities and shuttered plants, the present under Trump stands as a stark contrast—a promise for stability in a world where uncertainty looms large.
In a world where many American workers have found themselves navigating a sea of outsourcing and economic hardship, the discourse surrounding Trump’s economic policies may not resonate with everyone, but for these steelworkers, the proof is in their paycheck. They have rallied behind a leader who fought for their jobs and their industry, proving that sometimes, it’s not just rhetoric that matters, but results.