The phrase “Trump’s war on working people” in recent news typically refers to criticisms of President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly during his second term, which began in 2025. Critics, including unions, progressive groups, and some media outlets, use this term to describe actions they perceive as harmful to workers’ rights, economic security, and job stability. Based on recent reports, here are the key policies and actions associated with this phrase:
- Tariffs and Trade Policies: Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy, including 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, has sparked a trade war with China. Critics argue these tariffs raise costs for businesses and consumers, leading to job cuts and economic strain. For example, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) called these tariffs a “direct attack on the working class,” warning they threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs in trade-related sectors. Companies like UPS have announced 20,000 job cuts, and General Motors has delayed investor calls due to trade policy uncertainty.
- Attacks on Federal Unions: Trump signed an executive order citing national security to strip collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal workers, affecting about 75% of unionized federal employees. Union leaders see this as part of a broader assault on labor rights, potentially setting a precedent for private-sector unions. A federal judge temporarily blocked this order on April 25, 2025, following lawsuits from unions like the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). Critics argue this move undermines workers’ ability to negotiate fair wages and conditions.
- Federal Workforce Reductions: The Trump administration, with support from the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, has targeted significant layoffs of federal workers. This includes probationary employees and plans for broader cuts, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Such actions are framed as anti-worker by critics, who argue they destabilize middle-class families reliant on stable government employment.
- Economic Policies Favoring Corporations: Some critics, like Rep. Summer Lee, claim Trump’s economic agenda—tariffs, tax breaks for the wealthy, and deregulation—prioritizes corporate profits over workers’ needs. They argue these policies exacerbate income inequality, making it harder for working-class families to afford essentials amid rising prices driven by tariffs and corporate greed.
- Historical Context: The phrase also draws on Trump’s pre-presidency record, where he was accused of anti-worker practices, such as refusing to pay overtime, firing unionized workers, and delaying payments to contractors. These criticisms resurfaced in 2024 campaign rhetoric, framing Trump as consistently hostile to labor interests.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters argue his tariffs aim to protect American manufacturing jobs by reducing reliance on foreign imports, and his federal workforce cuts are necessary to streamline government efficiency. They point to endorsements from some unions, like the United Auto Workers’ initial support for tariffs, as evidence his policies can benefit workers. However, even the UAW later criticized the tariffs’ broader economic impact.
The phrase is largely a rhetorical tool used by opponents to highlight policies they see as prioritizing corporate or elite interests over those of working-class Americans, particularly in the context of economic disruption and labor rights erosion.
