**Trump Backers Acknowledge Potential Short-term Economic Pain from Policy Plans**

High-profile supporters of former President Donald Trump, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, recognize that the Republican presidential nominee's proposed economic policies could lead to immediate financial challenges. However, they maintain that these hardships would ultimately pave the way for long-term benefits.

Elon Musk, in response to a social media post, conceded that Trump's policy proposals might incite a significant economic reaction that could initially rock markets. "Sounds about right," Musk responded on X, agreeing with the assertion that the proposals could cause a "severe overreaction in the economy" before stabilizing it.

Howard Lutnick, who co-chairs the Trump-Vance 2025 transition team, echoed similar sentiments. In a recent interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," he affirmed that the imposition of universal tariffs would likely increase consumer prices on imports. "Correct: If I raise the tariff on just this particular idiosyncratic product, yes, right, it will be more expensive," Lutnick stated, acknowledging the immediate impact on consumer costs. He suggested that this price hike would incentivize purchases of domestic alternatives, though he admitted this would be ineffective for products not made in the U.S.

Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump's running mate, also acknowledged the potential for consumer pain resulting from the proposed tariffs. However, he suggested that any losses from tariffs would be offset by gains in higher wages, making it worthwhile in the long run. "Anything that you lose on the tariff from the perspective of the consumer, you gain in higher wages, so you're ultimately much better off," Vance said during an August interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Despite these acknowledgments from Trump's allies, many independent economists and analysts have raised alarms about the potential for swelling federal deficits and rising consumer prices under Trump's policies. Vice President Kamala Harris has seized on these concerns, referring to the proposed tariffs and potential price hikes as the "Trump sales tax."

In light of criticism, Trump's campaign has dismissed the notion of short-term economic pain resulting from his policy proposals. Instead, they have shifted the focus to their Democratic opponents, with campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes asserting that the real economic threat lies in continuing the current administration's policies. Republican National Committee spokesperson Anna Kelly reinforced this stance, stating that Harris has consistently opposed tariffs, questioning her commitment to workers' interests.