Franken argued that these tariffs ultimately burdens U.S. consumers rather than China and questioned the effectiveness of such measures.

Franken's comments were in response to both Biden's and former President Trump's stance on imposing higher tariffs on Chinese imports. While discussing Trump's promise of 60% tariffs for all imports from China, Maher brought up Biden's recent decision to impose higher tariffs on EVs made in China.

"If that's the case, then dammit, Biden's wrong," Franken stated unequivocally during the interview.

The U.S. Trade Representative's office announced on Friday that several tariffs announced by President Biden earlier this year, including a 100% duty on Chinese EVs and a 25% duty on EV batteries, will come into effect on September 27th. These tariffs have garnered criticism from various quarters, including American EV manufacturer Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk.

Musk has been vocal in his opposition to the tariffs, stating that neither Tesla nor he requested them. He emphasized that policies that impede free exchange or distort the market are not beneficial. His sentiments echo concerns about the potential negative impact of tariffs on the growth and development of the EV industry.

In contrast, Ford Motor Co has approached the issue from a different angle. The company requested a reduction in the proposed tariffs on artificial graphite, which is a crucial element in the production of EV batteries. Ford's stance highlights the complex nature of trade policies and the need for nuanced approaches that consider the specific requirements and challenges faced by different industry players.

The debate over tariffs on Chinese EVs reflects broader discussions about trade, innovation, and the future of the automotive industry. While there are valid concerns about fair trade practices and market distortions, opinions on the effectiveness of tariffs as a means to address these issues remain divided.

As the tariffs take effect later this month, the impact on both U.S. consumers and the EV market as a whole will become apparent. Whether Biden's decision will indeed be detrimental or if it will yield positive outcomes for domestic EV production remains to be seen.