Some saw hypocrisy, some Democrats saw progress.
On Tuesday, WWE Hall of Famer and U.S. President Donald Trump announced his administration would be looking for ways to beef up “Buy American” procurement policies. That means maximizing what they can cover and minimizing waivers and exceptions to these rules.
WATCH: Pres. Trump vows to "follow through on pledge to 'buy American and hire American'" in Kenosha, WI https://t.co/Okz2bwUl4f pic.twitter.com/MBpQTvsAxB
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 18, 2017
We think it’s a good first step. Here’s what others thought:
Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who has pushed for more American-made iron and steel in our infrastructure:
.@POTUS While today’s #BuyAmerica Exec Order is a step forward, Wisconsin workers can’t wait for studies & reports – we need real action now!
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) April 18, 2017
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has pushed for similar legislation, and agreed with Baldwin:
“I hope President Trump will follow his review of Buy America policies with firm action that puts our workers on the job rebuilding our infrastructure using products made here in the U.S.”
Some in the media gave him grief over his own companies’ purchasing habits.
But then today, the president announced he agreed with Senator Baldwin’s legislation!
“I do. I support the concept of everything from the U.S.,” Trump said. “I’m very much into that and I agree with her 100 percent.”
Buy America rules are a good thing. How do they work, you ask? Check out our explainer video: