Kentucky Rep. Comer: Trump should focus on ‘targeted tariffs’

(NewsNation) — Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., has urged President Donald Trump to implement “targeted tariffs” after China imposed 84% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

“I support targeted tariffs,” Comer told NewsNation’s “Morning in America” on Wednesday. “I think anything pertaining to our national security, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, food—all of these things need to be made in the United States. On some other things, like tennis shoes, if China can make tennis shoes cheaper than (the) United States, that’s probably a good deal for the consumer.”

Comer also emphasized the importance of considering what must be produced in the U.S. from a national security perspective, adding that “crucial manufacturing” and work related to national security should be returned to the U.S.

The Trump administration’s 104% tariffs on China took effect overnight. The tariffs — originally 34% on top of a standing 20% tariff on China — jumped by an additional 50% early Wednesday morning, per Trump’s previous promises.

In response, China on Wednesday raised its retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. from 34% to 84%, mirroring Trump’s 50% increase. The East Asian country’s levies will go into effect Thursday.

NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.