Cape News

Rep. Jason Smith, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 8th district since 2013, has used his social media platform to comment on recent trade and economic developments under President Trump’s administration.

On July 15, 2025, Smith highlighted the significance of a new trade agreement with Indonesia for American agriculture, stating: "President Trump’s trade deal with Indonesia is a big win for American farmers and our economy. Between 2020-2024, the United States went from a $450 million agricultural trade surplus to a $1.1 billion deficit with Indonesia. This deal commands fair treatment for American farmers".

The following morning, Smith announced an upcoming television appearance to discuss U.S. trade policy: " TUNE IN: At around 8:30 AM, I'll be joining @NEWSMAX to discuss how President Trump has fought hard to ensure we have trade policies that put America first." (July 16, 2025).

Later that day, Smith addressed the impact of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration in relation to economic performance after Liberation Day: "Following Liberation Day, the doubters claimed that President Trump’s tariffs would crash our economy.

In the month of June, we saw the complete opposite. Tariff revenue allowed our economy to run a $26 billion surplus. The last time we had a monthly budgetary surplus was nearly https://t.co/rNVPjqPa4S" (July 16, 2025).

Smith has served as Missouri's representative in Congress since replacing Jo Ann Emerson in 2013 and previously held office in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2013. Born in St Louis in 1980 and currently residing in Salem at age 42, Smith holds degrees from the University of Missouri and Oklahoma City University.