This Democrat is ‘Looking Forward’ to Working with Donald Trump

Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat, has signaled a pragmatic approach toward working with President-elect Donald Trump, particularly on economic policies like trade. In an interview on “Fox News Live” Saturday, Dingell emphasized that Democrats will carefully evaluate each proposal based on its impact on their constituents rather than opposing policies solely because of party differences.

Democrats have historically been critical of Trump, both during his presidency and throughout his campaigns. Yet, following his 2024 electoral victory, some Democratic lawmakers are beginning to explore areas of potential collaboration. With Trump’s economic agenda focused on reducing inflation, reshaping trade agreements, and imposing tariffs on foreign goods, bipartisan efforts may emerge in areas like trade and manufacturing.

Trump’s trade policies have long centered on reducing reliance on China. During his first term, he implemented sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods. The Biden administration largely maintained these tariffs, even expanding them in sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and medical supplies. Trump has now proposed an even steeper 60% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to protect domestic industries and jobs.

Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed by Trump in 2020, at least 75% of a vehicle’s components must be made in North America to qualify for tariff exemptions. Dingell has called for further renegotiation to close loopholes that allow Chinese companies to exploit the agreement.

“Democrats are committed to fighting for the people we represent,” Dingell told host Griff Jenkins. “We’re not going to oppose something just because Donald Trump proposed it. If it’s good for the country and our states, we’ll work together.”

On trade, Dingell stated, “Tariffs are a tool in the toolbox. China’s subsidizing its electric vehicle production and exploiting workers. I support tariffs on Chinese cars entering the U.S.” She also emphasized the need to revise USMCA to prevent Chinese products from being marketed as North American goods. “Detroit’s auto industry needs a level playing field,” she added, referring to her district’s manufacturing base.

Dingell also expressed support for President Joe Biden’s recent decision to block Japan’s Nippon Steel from acquiring U.S. Steel. “This is about economic and national security,” she said, noting that Trump has shared similar views on protecting American industries.

Other Democrats are also open to bipartisan economic measures.

• Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT): “I hope we can work together on raising the federal minimum wage,” he said in December.
• Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL): A member of the bipartisan Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caucus, Moskowitz told NPR, “We take issues one at a time. Some require a progressive stance; others need conservative solutions.”
• Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): Warren expressed cautious optimism about Trump’s proposal to cap consumer credit interest rates at 10%. “Bring it on,” she told Politico.

Republicans now hold a slim majority in the House, with Speaker Mike Johnson narrowly retaining his leadership. On January 20, Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president and is expected to introduce sweeping economic reforms. Potential areas of bipartisan collaboration include tariffs, trade agreements, and worker protections.

Lawmakers from both parties will likely debate Trump’s proposed 60% tariff on Chinese goods and other trade measures. The question remains whether a deeply divided Congress can find common ground on policies that could reshape America’s economic landscape.