If you live in California and feel like everything's gotten more expensive lately, Rep. Adam Schiff has a theory about why. The Democratic congressman is pointing directly at President Donald Trump's tariff policies, claiming they've added serious costs to household budgets across the state.
The $1,112 Question
On Friday, Schiff took to X with a pointed message: "Californians have paid more than $1,000 in Trump Taxes this year thanks to the President's tariffs — making housing, groceries, and everyday goods more expensive."
The specific number? $1,112 per Californian, according to an image Schiff shared with his post. He also warned that with inflation still ticking upward, "the cost of living under Donald Trump could climb even higher in 2026."
Democrats Sound The Alarm On Family Budgets
Schiff isn't alone in raising concerns. Last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren noted that 46% of Americans were cutting back on holiday spending because of higher costs, blaming Trump's tariffs for squeezing family budgets.
Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona jumped in too, highlighting that American households had paid nearly $1,200 in tariffs this year. His take? That's money "coming out of your pocket."
Trump Fires Back
President Trump wasn't about to let those criticisms stand unanswered. On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social defending his tariff strategy, claiming it had boosted U.S. wealth, strengthened national security, and slashed the trade deficit by 60%.
Trump also touted 4.3% GDP growth and insisted there was "no inflation," adding that the U.S. was "respected as a country again."
So who's right about the economic impact? That depends on which metrics you're watching and whether you're feeling the pinch at the grocery store or looking at macro-level trade numbers.




