In a move that has stirred outrage among conservatives, the iconic kitchen appliance brand Tupperware has announced it will shut down its last factory in the U.S., located in Hemingway, South Carolina. The closure, set to commence in late September and conclude by January 2025, will see approximately 150 employees losing their jobs. The company plans to relocate its production to Mexico, citing challenging financial circumstances as the driving force behind the decision.
Tupperware’s spokesperson emphasized that this decision does not reflect the performance of the Hemingway team, stating, “We appreciate each of our valued team members and the many years of service they have dedicated to our salesforce and to the company.” Despite this, the shutdown has been met with significant backlash, particularly from conservative commentators who blame President Biden’s economic policies, dubbed “Bidenomics,” for the offshoring of this American staple.
Conservative commentator Paul A. Szypula didn’t mince words, declaring, “Tupperware Brands just announced it’ll be closing its South Carolina factory, the company’s last remaining plant in the US, and laying off 148 employees. The iconic plastic food container company will now have all of its manufacturing operations in Mexico. That’s Bidenomics.” His sentiment echoes the frustration of many who see this move as a direct consequence of the current administration’s economic strategies.
Adding to the criticism, Conservative Brief remarked, “Bidenomics At Work – Tupperware Closes Last Plant. In another sign of President Biden’s ‘Build Back Better’ motto, Tupperware Brands has announced it’s closing the last remaining plant in America, located in South Carolina. All 148 employees will be losing their jobs. They will now exclusively have all manufacturing done in Mexico. Have Biden’s economic policies helped job growth and the economy?”
The backdrop to this controversy is a challenging macroeconomic environment that has plagued consumers and businesses alike since Biden took office. Skyrocketing interest rates, implemented to curb persistent inflation that reached decade-highs in 2022, have created a financial strain. Critics argue that Biden’s hostility toward the fossil fuels industry has further exacerbated energy prices, a significant component of inflation. Additionally, ongoing fiscal stimulus in an already overheated economy is believed to have contributed to rising prices.
As a result, many Americans are increasingly pessimistic about the economy, an issue that is becoming pivotal as the upcoming election approaches. Earlier this year, The American Tribune highlighted the souring sentiment among undecided swing state voters, who overwhelmingly agreed that Trump’s economic policies were superior to Biden’s.
One Wisconsin voter, Nathan, voiced a common sentiment, stating, “I think he’s been absolutely disastrous for the economy.” His view was shared by others, with unanimous agreement that Trump’s economic policies would be better for their families. “Raise your hand if you think President Trump’s policies on the economy would be better for your family, personally,” the group was asked, to which every single person raised their hand.
A voter from Pennsylvania elaborated, “We have areas here in Pennsylvania where it’s just at a standstill right now. Like, things are supposed to be being built and the interest rates are just way too high for people to, you know, invest and start moving around. The interest rate is so high right now and I know they’re trying to cut the inflation down, but like, if nobody is building, no businesses are really coming to Pennsylvania right now to keep us moving forward.”
The Tupperware plant closure serves as a stark reminder of the economic challenges facing the nation. For many, it is emblematic of the broader failures of Bidenomics. As America continues to grapple with these issues, the economy remains a critical battleground for voters, with many yearning for policies that prioritize American jobs and industry.
