Warren Calls on Top Trump Economic Advisers to Clarify President's Position on Minimum Wage
Trump's Campaign Promises to American Workers Sharply Conflict with His Actions as President
Washington, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today called on President Trump's top economic advisers to clarify the Administration's position on raising the minimum wage, and provide information on what policies it will pursue to ensure a living wage for American workers.
"Given the contradiction between President Trump's support during his campaign for significantly raising the federal minimum wage and his actions since taking office, I respectfully request that you - the Administration's top economic policy staff - clarify the President's position on the federal minimum wage and the prospect of raising it, so that Congress and the American people can better understand the Administration's views on this critical issue for working families," wrote Senator Warren in a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn, and Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Kevin Hassett.
Senator Warren noted President Trump's statements on the campaign trail in support of increasing the minimum wage, which conflict with his actions since taking office, including the reversal of basic protections for workers and the appointment of numerous anti-worker officials to the Administration. She asked the Administration's top economic advisers whether President Trump supports raising the federal minimum wage, and if so, to what level and on what schedule.
"It is unconscionable that Americans working full-time, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, still live in poverty. The President himself seemed to agree when he said that ‘you have to have something that you can live on' and promised Americans he would fight for their interests and improve the lives of working families," wrote Senator Warren. "He has a policy imperative and a moral obligation to fulfill that promise. I look forward to learning how he plans to do so."
Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. At that rate, an American working full-time earns only $15,080 per year, below the poverty line for a household of two.
###
Next Article Previous Article
