How Trump’s tariffs are changing — or not — lives around the world
Published April 5, 2025
CNN asked folks across the US and world how President Donald Trump’s tariffs have already changed their spending, savings habits, work and all other aspects of their lives. Here’s a sample of what they said:
Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
We've got a baby due in 12 days. Our second … Our goal is to break even every month. We don't think we'll be able to save any money for the foreseeable future, no money into retirement, etc. … we'll make it work. But am I losing sleep? Yes. Am I starting to look for a night shift job? Yes, just started last week.
— Mitchell Cottrell, 31
Telecommunications
Denver, CO
My company is an importer of textiles from China. Our type of textile products cannot be purchased in the United States … Trump’s tariffs will force us to completely close our business this year. We have about 25 employees who will be out of work that will be filing for unemployment insurance.
— Male, 62
Small business owner, textiles
Chicago, IL & Pontotoc, MS
I am planning on growing all of our produce this year (a first for us) and preserving/canning whatever we can.
— Female, 36
Contract worker
Harrisburg, PA
I have stopped shopping at Target and have been participating in the shopping blackout days because it feels like the only power I currently have until the midterms.
— Female, 40
IT
Michigan
I voted for Trump and I'm not too concerned. I haven't changed any of my spending. … I'm hoping the retaliation tariffs will bring down prices of American products due to lower foreign demand. I believe AI is more dangerous to the economy than any tariff.
— Michael Delgado, 41
Hospitality and leisure
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
I am Canadian. And as an avid angler, I have been contemplating an extended trip to Florida to enjoy the locale, and target some of the unique fish species available. NOT NOW!! The loss of my dollars for an extended stay for lodgings, meals, fuel, tackle, and guides is the price paid for the disrespect …
— Pete Warrington, 58
Iron mining
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
I do not make knee-jerk reactions and have no plans on altering any plans. I'll ride this out and see what happens. … I do feel for others with less opportunity to weather these storms, and for the generations current and future, including my own children, who face more uncertainty.
— Ross McKnight, 54
Financial technology
Chicago, IL
We do not go on vacations or take time off. I returned to work two weeks after my child was born because of the current state of things. Childcare is as expensive as a mortgage or rental payment… Our family buys in bulk, makes frozen meals, and we no longer eat out. Everything has changed, and it's permanent.
— Female, Mid-30s
Film
Seattle, WA
I hope Trump goes ahead with the tariffs on autos, and sticks with it. I just bought a car, a Chevy. It was mostly made in Korea, and something was done in Mexico, also. Maybe I would end up having to pay more for it if the tariffs were in place, but I think the effect is likely exaggerated. The state where I live, Michigan, has been devastated by so called 'free trade.'
— Kevin,
Michigan
As a retired Canadian couple we are no longer traveling to the USA. We used to spend two months each winter in Arizona, spending about $20,000 a year (rental accommodations, rental car, food, entertainment, golf, clothing). … We are now more certain than ever to not give the USA another penny.
— Rick, 78
Retired
Ontario, Canada
My wife and I own a small business … Nearly all of the components we use (stainless steel beads, clasps, earring hooks, necklace chains) as well as packaging material like bracelet boxes come from China. … If we end up having to raise our prices, the new price point may be higher than our customers are willing to pay. We’ve worked hard to build our small business and customer base over the past eight years.
— Ian Lacey, 50
Small business owner, handmade jewelry
Broomfield, CO
I was born and raised in Sault, Ontario and for sixty years enjoyed the benefits of living in a border city, such as wonderful American hospitality, spectacular firework displays, cheaper fuel, and cheaper groceries. … I will not take one step on American soil and stop purchasing anything made in America. I will forgo attending any concerts in Detroit, annual cherry picking in Traverse City and horseback riding on Mackinac Island.
— Patty-Ann, 59
Retired early childhood educator
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
I … work at a place that makes cooking equipment for Costco & Sam's. As with most Canadian manufacturing, 50-80% of what we make goes to the US. We all worry if we will have a job tomorrow.
— Paul Shepherdson, 57
Mechanical designer
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
I am moving back in with my parents. Costs are going to go up, and if I move back home I can save on rent and use my parents’ car. As terrible a president as Biden was, I now regret voting for Trump. All the money I had saved in the stock market will be taking a hit as well.
— Matt, 30
Health tech
Miami, FL
So here’s a truth no one wants to say out loud: Tariffs like this will kill a lot of American small businesses.
— Kimberly Friddle, 53
eCommerce and logistics
The Woodlands, TX
I am super concerned about rising prices. I am an 87-year-old woman and live on my social security income. I worked for 60 years and contributed to SS [Social Security] without fail. Just because of my longevity, my savings has diminished so it is even more important that my SS remain as healthy as it can be.
— Janet, 87
Retired
Palm Springs, CA
… I need new clothing due to losing a large amount of weight, but I have held off until my weight stabilizes. Now I worry about tariffs on clothing.
— Barbara Sloan, 77
Retired mental health and addiction counselor
Conway, SC
I'm a married mother of two … If my family goes anywhere we bring our own food and filled water bottles to avoid making stops to spend extra money … The looming tariffs have me scared for the ability to afford necessities, food and clothing for my kids, and if an appliance breaks - I'm really screwed.
— Julie C., 46
Computer software
Rochester, NY
