Whatley Praises Tariffs While Hundreds of North Carolina Manufacturing Workers Lose Their Jobs Arrow

Whatley: "The [economy] is getting better every day because of the policies President Trump has put into place"

North Carolina's workers are paying the price for Donald Trump's failed economic policies. In January alone, at least four plants have announced layoffs or closures, resulting in almost 1,000 North Carolinians losing their jobs. In total, North Carolina has lost over 4,500 manufacturing jobs since Donald Trump retook office.

Other North Carolina industries have also been hit hard. Earlier this month, a new report found that Trump's tariffs will also impact North Carolina's agriculture industry, potentially costing the industry $695 million and destroying 8,000 jobs.

A reminder: Despite these mass layoffs, former RNC Chairman and candidate for U.S. Senate Michael Whatley continues to be "ride or die" for the agenda that is hurting North Carolina families, saying, "The [economy] is getting better every day because of the policies President Trump has put into place," despite the fact that North Carolina families have seen their costs go up by over $1,000 under Trump, including paying $310 more for groceries.

In response, DNC Spokesperson Albert Fujii released the following statement:

"Donald Trump's agenda is taking a sledgehammer to North Carolina's economy - and it's working families who are paying the price. Families are already paying hundreds more for rent and groceries, and now, because of Donald Trump, almost a thousand North Carolinians don't know where their next paycheck is going to come from. While Donald Trump focuses on gilded ballrooms and black tie movie premieres, Democrats won't stop fighting for North Carolina families."

Read more below:

The Daily Adda: 'I Voted for Trump': Now My Family Lumber Mill in North Carolina Is Closed, 50 Jobs Lost to Tariffs

[By Charlotte Bennett, 1/25/2026]

"'I've spent my entire life in the lumber business,' the 60-something mill owner tells Bloomberg, his voice thick with emotion.

"Jones represents the fifth generation of his family to run a lumber operation - and he is the first to shutter a mill. The reason behind it? President Donald Trump's so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs, unveiled on April 2, 2025, which were supposed to bring manufacturing jobs roaring back to America.

"'When people talk about Liberation Day, I can't hide my sarcasm,' Jones says. 'We weren't liberated. At the time, it almost felt like those tariffs were designed to liberate me from our business entirely.'"

The Charlotte Observer: Historic textile mill near Charlotte closes another NC plant, laying off over 70

[By Desiree Mathurin, 1/23/2026]

"Parkdale Mills, an historic yarn manufacturer based in Gastonia, is shutting down a facility in Stokes County and laying off over 70 people.

"In the report, Parkdale Mills said the mill closure and layoffs are due to increasing energy costs that have led to a decline in its 'economic environment,' creating an 'unsustainable business model.'"

WFMY: Parkdale Mills to close Walnut Cove plant, cut 72 jobs

[By Taylor Ford, 1/16/2026]

"Parkdale Mills will permanently close its Walnut Cove facility, eliminating 72 jobs, citing rising energy costs and an 'unsustainable business model,' according to a WARN notice filed with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

"In the notice, Parkdale Mill will permanently close as a result of the declining economic environment created by a rapidly rising energy costs, has created an unsustainable business model."

The News & Observer: Thermo Fisher to shut Asheville plant and lay off its 421 workers

[By Brian Gordon, 1/15/2026]

"A global life sciences manufacturer with more than a dozen sites in North Carolina plans to shut its facility north of Asheville over the next two years, laying off more than 400 workers.

"Weaverville Mayor Dee Lawrence called Thermo Fisher both the biggest employer and taxpayer in the mountainous town of 4,700."

The Charlotte Observer: NC manufacturer abruptly lays off 275 people, and will close its Charlotte stores

[By Desiree Mathurin, 1/14/2026]

"Nearly 300 people were laid off in Catawba County after a furniture manufacturer shuttered its doors before the new year. And soon, several furniture stores in Charlotte tied to the company's parent company will close due to declining sales, tariffs and the housing market.

"The closure is due to a 'significant reduction in businesses,' according to the WARN report filed by Kroehler's owner, American Signature. Kroehler made furniture for American Signature's Value City Furniture retail stores."

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