Candidate says tariffs are driving up costs and calls on Congress to act

Dr. Udell said tariffs are hurting household budgets and that Congress, not the president, is responsible for setting tariff policy. "Tariffs are the responsibility of Congress, not ego of a president," he said, adding that the money "is coming out of our pocket."

He framed tariff policy as directly affecting affordability and argued for congressional action to stop the transfer of cost onto consumers. The candidate did not lay out specific tariff bills or remedies during the forum; he positioned the issue as one area where federal legislative attention is needed.