Buttigieg Takes Aim at Trump Over Child Care Confusion

Buttigieg Critiques Trump's Child Care Remarks

During a recent CNN interview, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed remarks made by former President Trump regarding child care. Buttigieg pointedly stated, “And as we saw when Donald Trump was asked about child care the other day, it wasn’t clear whether he even understood the question.”

Trump's Response and Economic Implications

Buttigieg's comments were in reaction to Trump's avoidant response to a question on child care affordability at the Economic Club of New York. Trump spoke for two minutes without proposing specific legislation, instead suggesting tariffs could cover child care costs. “You have to have it in this country,” Trump claimed.

However, White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates highlighted the economic consensus that tariffs could lead to higher prices for essentials, including child care. “These tariffs would amount to a $4,000 tax increase on working families,” Bates remarked.

Buttigieg’s Advocacy for Child Care Policies

In his interview, Buttigieg further criticized Republican opposition to vital child care initiatives, mentioning Vice President Harris's proposals for expanding the Child Tax Credit and implementing paid family leave. “We would have these programs right now if Republicans weren't blocking them,” he stated.