On the ninth day of Whatley’s Christmas Costs, toy prices skyrocketed because of his irresponsible trade war.

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

Hendersonville News-Times: Hendersonville business owners say tariffs hurt ahead of holidays

• Lyndsey Simpson, owner of Hendersonville Toy Company, and Drake English, father of a three-year-old son and a hot tub technician by trade, criticized Republican National Committee Chair and U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley for his support of tariffs. 
• “Toys are one of the biggest items impacted by tariffs. Ever since the tariffs were announced, manufacturers have started adding 10% to 15% surcharges on our invoices,” she said in her remarks.
• “Just the other day, I had to increase the price of a colored pencil set by 50% due to what I can only assume is the impact of the tariffs,” she said.

“Hardworking families in North Carolina who are struggling to afford toys this year can thank Michael Whatley’s trade war for the rising prices,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Whatley is a DC insider who cares more about his own loyalty to politicians and special interests than making life more affordable for North Carolina families.”

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