WJCL: “[…] Savannah residents and business owners are reflecting on how the policy has affected household budgets, repair costs and other everyday expenses.”
New reporting in WJCL highlights the disastrous impacts Trump’s economy-crushing, illegal tariffs are having on Georgians and small businesses a year after “Liberation Day” as GOP U.S. Senate candidates Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Derek Dooley continue backing them even as Georgians suffer.
- “MAGA warrior” Buddy Carter praised Trump for his tariffs saying that “he’s proud of what [Trump] is doing with the tariffs,” as costs skyrocket.
- MAGA extremist Mike Collins told Georgians that he’s “not worried about the tariffs” and he thinks “it’s good” despite the effects they’re having on hardworking families.
- Failed, fired, loser former Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley told the AJC that Trump’s tariffs “been a good tool,” and claimed “we’ve gotten some great deals out of these tariffs” even as Georgians suffer from higher prices.
The WJCL coverage comes after the Democratic Party of Georgia launched a new social media video and mobile billboard hitting Carter, Collins, and Dooley for backing the disastrous tariffs that in the past year alone have kept prices rising and resulted in more jobs lost than any year since COVID.
Read for yourself:
WJCL: Savannah residents, businesses reflect on impact of Trump tariffs one year later
By Kirsten Maselka | April 3, 2026
- One year after President Donald Trump imposed broad global tariffs, Savannah residents and business owners are reflecting on how the policy has affected household budgets, repair costs and other everyday expenses.
- In January, the Georgia Ports Authority reported that the Port of Savannah recorded its second-busiest year ever, suggesting trade through the port has remained strong despite broader concerns about the tariffs’ economic effects.
- Still, some local business owners and consumers say the impact has been felt elsewhere.
- According to data compiled by Fitch Ratings, imports of auto and parts fell 14% from 2024 to 2025 after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts.
- Michael Mole, co-owner of Integrity Auto Repair in Savannah, said the effect on his business was not tied to a single sharp increase, but instead appeared gradually as costs continued to rise.
- “Tariffs are sort of the cherry on top of this cascade of things that are driving those prices up,” he said.
- Mole explained tariffs have added to broader cost pressures already affecting repair shops and other skilled trades, with customers ultimately paying more.
- Savannah resident Simone Havel said higher prices have also affected her household budget.
- “It’s huge. I have dug into my savings,” she said.
- Havel said rising costs have forced her to make lifestyle changes, and she is no longer considering retiring soon as she once had planned.
- “It all comes out in the wash on us, and that’s what I’m not appreciating,” she said.