On the tenth day of Whatley’s Christmas Costs, the owner of DECO, a small business in Raleigh, called out Michael Whatley for supporting “reckless” tariffs that drive up costs and harm small businesses.

Whatley has called tariffs “record setting in terms of […] effectiveness” and said he supports them “wholeheartedly.”

NC Voices: OPINION: Tariffs Are Hurting Raleigh Small Businesses

• Our business has been impacted by the reckless tariffs from Washington, DC. The tariffs are driving up prices of our goods 20 to 50 percent, and some vendors have used the tariffs to further raise the price of goods and even shipping.

• Many of our local partners have told me that their cost of materials, from jewelry components to paint supplies and packaging, have soared.

• I don’t know how much longer we can survive with razor thin margins. The burden of tariffs is unequivocally falling on consumers and independent businesses, and it’s a heavy burden.

• Every voter should know that Michael Whatley is cheering on policies that are hurting North Carolina families, small businesses, and communities. We need leaders who will fight for North Carolina, not against us. 

“We’re in the middle of the holiday season and as the price of gifts skyrocket because of tariffs, there is one person cheering it on: Michael Whatley,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Whatley is championing the trade war and showing he will never stand up to the DC politicians who are making the holidays unaffordable for North Carolina families.”

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