Heated Debate on Fox News: Jessica Tarlov Warns of Real Consequences from Trump’s Tariff Policy

A fiery exchange took place on Fox News’ The Five on Tuesday as co-host Jessica Tarlov warned of the real and immediate consequences stemming from former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Despite pushback from her fellow panelists, Tarlov insisted that signs of economic strain—particularly job losses—were already evident.

The discussion began with Tarlov offering her thoughts on a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Donald Trump. Tarlov praised Carney’s approach, stating that he struck a balance between firmness and understanding Trump’s communication style. However, when she pointed to the economic toll of tariffs, Jesse Watters quickly interrupted, claiming the statistics painted a different picture.

“I do look at the statistics,” Tarlov countered, pushing back against Watters’ accusation that she had misinterpreted the data.

As the conversation grew more intense, Tarlov reclaimed the floor to make a broader point: nations around the world are now quietly working together to navigate around U.S. trade policy. She cited an interview and congressional testimony from Bessent, who admitted that despite Trump’s claims, the U.S. had not actually engaged in any trade discussions with China—one of the primary targets in the trade conflict.

“Trump said he spoke to Xi, but that’s simply not true,” Tarlov emphasized. “We’ve been in talks with 17 of the 18 countries we’re targeting—but not China.”

The topic then shifted to labor and global manufacturing, where things took a more sarcastic turn. Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters mocked concerns over child labor in China by joking about “tiny little hands” making toys. Tarlov didn’t shy away from the ethical concern, but pointed out the impracticality of relocating all manufacturing to the U.S.

“I care about those children,” Tarlov responded. “But the idea that we’re going to bring all of this manufacturing back and find tiny American hands to do it is absurd.”

Trying to steer the conversation back to real-world impacts, Tarlov cited comments from the executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, who reported a 35% decline in cargo volume—an economic warning sign. She emphasized that layoffs for truckers and dockworkers were imminent.

“That’s a big deal,” she stated firmly, though her co-hosts expressed skepticism.

“It’s always ‘what’s going to happen,’ and it never happens,” Judge Jeanine Pirro retorted dismissively.

“It’s not true that it never happens,” Tarlov responded. “Prices are already rising, and layoffs are happening—like at the Mack Trucks plant in Lehigh, where 10% of the workforce was cut. These are real consequences.”

Tarlov’s remarks highlight a critical divide in how commentators interpret the effects of Trump-era trade policies. While some continue to defend them as bold moves to protect American interests, others—like Tarlov—warn that the costs are already being felt by working-class Americans.