Abbott on point

Regarding “Abbott says tariffs hurt Texas” (Page A1, Friday), it must have been difficult for Gov. Greg Abbott to tell President Donald Trump that tariffs — a key part of the administration's plan to “Make America Great Again” — are actually damaging the Texas economy.

In effect, Abbott is telling the president that the policies of the previous administrations, including Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, were more beneficial for the Lone Star state than Trump’s and that he should repeal the tariffs immediately.

Anyone who followed the 2016 presidential campaign knew that Trump would impose tariffs in order to protect certain American industries. What Trump did not say is that his tariffs would have negative consequences for other industries — specifically the automobile, shipping and oil industries. As other countries have retaliated with tariffs of their own, Trump has initiated a global trade war that will adversely affect the entire U.S. economy.

Businesses do not like uncertainty and that is exactly what Trump's tariffs have introduced into the markets. That cannot be good for the economy, the stock market and our 401(k) plans.

Abbott should be commended for having the courage to challenge the administration's flawed economic policy; but based on the administration's actions on other areas such as immigration, it is doubtful the president will listen. Bill Meyer, Kingwood