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Tom Steyer on Free Trade

Democratic Presidential Challenger; CEO

 


Unilateral action does not lead to a climate treaty

If we want to be the leaders of the world, who can actually negotiate a climate treaty around the world that sticks, that makes a difference, we're going to have to put climate first, and when we think about doing the wrong thing, the way Mr. Trump did with General Soleimani, we have to ask, does that help us build a coalition of countries around the world to do the right thing? It absolutely does not.
Source: 8th Democrat 2020 primary debate, St. Anselm College in NH , Feb 7, 2020

Undo Trump tariffs; negotiate trade deals for U.S. workers

Q: Even though farmers and manufacturers could see some relief from the China deal, they've been crushed by the current administration's trade war. What will you do as president to help them get back on their feet?

STEYER: On the first day, I would undo Mr. Trump's tariffs. On the first day, I would get rid of his waivers to oil refiners [regarding] not having to use corn-based ethanol.

Sen. Elizabeth WARREN: These trade deals have been negotiated surrounded with giant multi-national corporation lobbyists who whisper in the ears of our negotiators and then get deals cut that are great for the giant multi-national corporations, not good for American workers.

STEYER: In fact, these trade deals have been exactly what Senator Sanders and Warren have been saying, which is that they've been designed to grow the American GDP for the corporations of America, not for the working people of America.

Source: 7th Democrat primary debate, on eve of Iowa caucus , Jan 14, 2020

No trade war, but stand up to China on intellectual property

Steyer calls China a competitor, but says that "like it or not" the United States has to maintain a political and economic relationship with Beijing.

Steyer opposes President Donald J. Trump's trade war with China but says the United States must "stand up strongly" to Beijing's theft of U.S. intellectual property.

He believes that Trump's America First policy has created a void in international power politics that China and Russia are eager to fill.

He says the United States should respond to abuses by authorities in Hong Kong by creating a coalition of democracies to push back, rather than seeking a bilateral solution.

He argues that the United States can't isolate itself from China, since working with China on climate and regional security will require maintaining a good relationship with Beijing.

Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary , Dec 24, 2019

Trump tax plan & trade war are failures; I can show how

Mr. Trump is going to be running on the economy. He's going to be saying he's the person who can make it grow. I started a business from scratch, one room, no employers, and built a multi-billion dollar international business. We're going to have to show the American people that we can talk about prosperity, talk about investing in the American people, talk about harnessing the innovation and competition of the American private sector.

In fact, if we want to beat Mr. Trump, I think somebody who can go toe to toe with them and show them to be a fraud and a failure as a business person, and a fraud and a failure as a steward of the American economy, is going to be necessary. He is one. His tax plan's a failure. His trade war is a failure. I would love to take him on as a real businessman and show that in fact he's failed the American people and he has to go.

Source: October Democratic CNN/NYTimes Primary debate , Oct 15, 2019

Other governors on Free Trade: Tom Steyer on other issues:
CA Gubernatorial:
Brian Dahle
Caitlyn Jenner
Doug Ose
John Chiang
John Cox
Kevin Faulconer
Kevin Paffrath
Laura Smith
Rob Bonta
CA Senatorial:
Adam Schiff
Alex Padilla
Barbara Lee
Gail Lightfoot
James Bradley
Jerome Horton
Katie Porter
Laphonza Butler
Lily Zhou
Mark Meuser
Steve Garvey
Gubernatorial races 2025:
New Jersey Governor:
    Democratic primary June 10, 2025:
  • Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present)
  • Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present)
  • Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017)
  • Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019); elected Nov. 4.
  • Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022)

    Republican primary June 10, 2025:
  • Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022)
  • Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021 & 2025); lost general election
  • Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew

Virginia Governor:
    Democratic primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025; elected Nov. 4.
  • Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.)

    Republican primary June 17 cancelled:
  • Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025; lost general election
  • Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot
  • Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent
  • Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited
Mayoral races 2025:
NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:
  • Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council
  • Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021 (Independent candidate).
  • Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assembly, 2021-2025 (Democratic nominee); elected Nov. 4.
    Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4:
  • Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent
  • Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Curtis Sliwa, Republican nominee; CEO of the Guardian Angels

Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)
    Non-partisan general election Nov. 4; runoff Dec. 2:
  • Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education
  • Steven Fulop, outgoing Mayor (2013-2025)
  • Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997)
  • Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004)
  • James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017)
  • Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023)

Oakland CA Mayor
    Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025:
  • Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025)
  • Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election
  • Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024
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