FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting he rescind his tariff and trade policies, citing what the governor called a "cost-of-living crisis" for Americans and direct harm to Kentucky's signature industries. The letter was sent in response to Trump's continued tariff policies, according to an announcement from the Governor's Office.

Beshear contended that consumers rather than foreign exporters bear the financial burden of the administration's trade strategy. "It is the American consumer, not the foreign exporter, who pays the price for Trump's failed tariff and trade strategy, with estimates showing that hardworking Americans could pay more than $330 billion in tariff costs in 2026, which equates to more than $2,500 per family," the governor said.

The governor specifically highlighted damage to Kentucky's agricultural sector, bourbon industry and coal producers. Kentucky is home to 95 percent of the global bourbon industry, which generates roughly $9 billion in annual economic output and supports approximately 22,500 jobs. The state is also the largest beef cattle-producing state east of the Mississippi River, according to the Kentucky Beef Council.

The letter comes as farmers and businesses across Kentucky face mounting pressure from trade disputes. The bourbon industry has previously experienced significant export declines during trade conflicts. Retaliatory tariffs during prior disputes decreased Kentucky bourbon exports by 35 percent in 2020, with shipments to the European Union dropping by nearly half.

The governor's call to rescind the tariffs reflects broader concerns voiced by Kentucky's agricultural and business communities about the economic impact of the trade policies. The administration's plan to increase imported beef has drawn particular criticism from state agricultural leaders.