A Pennsylvania lawmaker admitted Tuesday that tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum imports would not help his district that was once a leading producer of steel.
Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., appeared on CNN's "New Day" and explained his position regarding President Donald Trump's plan to place tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum.
"I represent the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Bethlehem Steel was the largest — second largest — steel producer in the world, at one time," Dent said. "That company no longer exists. We don't make steel in my district anymore."
Trump's reasoning for imposing the tariffs would be to boost American steel producers, but critics — including several members of the Republican Party — say the tariffs would hurt companies that use steel to manufacture products.
"I'm telling you that we do not need to impose these types of tariffs in this kind of scattershot matter," Dent said. "This represents crony capitalism of the worst time. Protecting a few at the cost of many."
Dent's district includes Hershey, which produces the world-famous chocolate.
"Aluminum tariffs will directly affect my congressional district," Dent said. "I represent Hershey, Pennsylvania, the sweetest place on Earth. Well, they use aluminum foil to wrap those Hershey kisses."
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