East King News

Suzan DelBene, a current member of the U.S. Congress representing Washington’s 1st district, has voiced several criticisms and concerns on social media regarding the economic impacts of policies enacted under former President Trump, as well as potential federal budget cuts affecting scientific research. DelBene, who has been serving since replacing Jay Inslee in 2012, uses her platform to address issues that resonate with her constituents.

In a post dated March 31, 2025, DelBene criticized the policies of Trump and the Republican Party, highlighting their effect on consumer prices. According to her, the tariffs imposed have contributed to increased costs for automobiles and other goods, disproportionately affecting middle-class families who will "feel the pain" of these economic measures which "Trump & Republicans promised to lower prices but they’re making cars & many other goods more expensive with their tariffs."

Later the same day, DelBene made another post addressing the broader implications of the trade policies, referencing the ongoing trade war initiated by Trump. She noted that trade tensions are adversely impacting prices for households and businesses nationwide, thus burdening farmers and potentially slowing economic growth. DelBene stated, "President Trump’s trade war is jacking up prices for families & businesses across the country, harming farmers, & putting the economy in a slump."

In another tweet on March 31, 2025, DelBene expressed her concern over proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Drawing on her previous experience as a researcher, she underscored the importance of federal funding in facilitating breakthroughs in medical research. Such cuts could, according to DelBene, hinder innovation and remove patients from vital clinical trials. She remarked, "These NIH cuts could stifle innovation & kick patients off clinical trials."