Gov. Beshear urges Kentucky's federal lawmakers to fight Trump's tariffs, especially on bourbon

Beth Musgrave, Lexington Herald-Leader on Feb 3, 2025

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Kentucky’s federal delegation to pressure President Donald Trump to rescind tariffs that critics say will harm Kentucky’s bourbon industry, as well as other industries.

In a letter and on social media Monday, Beshear said: “Harmful tariffs are putting our bourbon industry in danger, threatening the livelihoods of 23,000 Kentuckians and their families. I’m asking our congressional delegation to stand with me and fight for the folks who sustain our signature industry.”

Trump on Saturday ordered 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada — two primary trade partners of the U.S. — arguing they have failed to stop the movement of illegal fentanyl and immigrants across their borders.

The tariffs were set to go into effect Tuesday, but the levies on Mexican goods were paused on Monday as Trump negotiated with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump said he planned to speak later Monday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Leaders of Canada, Mexico and China have said they will impose retaliatory tariffs on key American goods, including liquor, if Trump imposes the tariffs on imports.

“Federal tariffs imposed yesterday have already led to retaliatory actions on Kentucky bourbon that will be costly, disruptive and harmful to many thousands of Kentucky men and women who support their families working in the industry,” Beshear wrote.

In a recent interview with the progressive news outlet Meidas Touch and posted on Blue Sky, Canadian MP Charlie Angus said many Canadian provinces have already yanked Kentucky liquor from their shelves.

“So here’s how it’s going to go down — this is going to be very rough. But the big wake-up call is for our American friends. For example, Kentucky — the number one purchaser of Kentucky spirits in the world is Canada, and all our provinces have just pulled it off the shelves.”

More than 23,000 people work in the bourbon industry in Kentucky. The industry’s total annual payroll is $1.63 billion, Beshear said. Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of the state’s largest tourism draws — generating more than 2.5 million visits annually.

Beshear’s letter was addressed to U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and Kentucky’s six congressmen. All but U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, are Republicans.

McConnell, in an interview on Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” said he did not agree with Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico and China.

“It will drive the cost of everything up. In other words, it’ll be paid for by American consumers,” McConnell said of Trump’s tariffs. “I mean, why would you want to get in a fight with your allies over this?”

McGarvey also sent a letter to Trump asking him to back off the tariffs, arguing it will hurt Kentuckians, particularly those in the bourbon industry.

“Strategic tariffs have their place but these board knee-jerk tariffs hurt Americans more than they help,” McGarvey wrote in a letter dated Sunday and posted on X and other social media websites. “Your actions will 1. increase costs at home 2. shrink our economy 3. erode our standing with allies you treat as enemies and 4. embolden our enemies that truly mean us harm.”

Paul and Congressmen Hal Rogers, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie, James Comer and Brett Guthrie have not issued statements on Trump’s tariffs and possible effects on Kentucky consumers and industries.