In a recent discussion with KPBS, Corey Gustafson, representing the San Diego Republican Party, and Kyle Krahel-Frolander from the San Diego Democratic Party, shared their insights on President Trump’s administration during its initial months in office.
As Trump’s administration enacted tariffs on foreign goods, the San Diego Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about the economic implications.
Corey Gustafson defended the tariffs, arguing they are primarily aimed at national security, asserting a significant drop in illegal immigration and calling recent narco-terrorism charges a part of a broader fight against drug cartels.
Conversely, Kyle Krahel-Frolander criticized the tariffs as a tax on American consumers, suggesting they would ultimately hamper local businesses and investments given San Diego’s close economic ties with Tijuana, Mexico.
Shifting to local politics, the upcoming election for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, contested by Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, was a focal point.
Krahel-Frolander endorsed Aguirre, highlighting her dedication to tackling critical local issues like cross-border pollution crises.
He emphasized the need for federal involvement to solve the complex problem, asserting that local solutions would be insufficient without cooperation from the Mexican government.
Gustafson then pointed out that a Republican win with McCann would restore the GOP majority on the Board.
He outlined priorities, stating that addressing homelessness should be paramount, as Republicans in the area propose solutions for getting individuals off the streets through shelters and other measures.
The conversation seamlessly transitioned back to Washington D.C. concerning healthcare provisions for local residents.
With nearly one million individuals in San Diego County relying on Medicaid, concerns arise as the House GOP proposes cuts to the program.
Krahel-Frolander firmly stood against these cuts, asserting the necessity of Medicaid not just for individuals but for the overall economy, criticizing what he described as extreme measures aimed at funding tax breaks for the wealthy.
In response to a query regarding Senator Josh Hawley’s comments on the morality of Medicaid cuts, Gustafson clarified that the Republican stance does not constitute cuts but instead ensures beneficiaries meet eligibility standards.
He positioned this narrative as part of a broader effort to eliminate waste while, according to him, echoing past attempts during the Obama administration to review the same measures.
Another pressing issue is the funding of scientific research, particularly that which is vital for climate change and oceanographic studies at institutions like UC San Diego.
Gustafson downplayed concerns about potential cuts, asserting that innovation does not solely rely on government funding but also springs from the private sector.
In contrast, Krahel-Frolander expressed deep apprehension over the cuts, linking them to potential threats against healthcare and scientific progress in California.
He argued that cuts are being adopted without due legislative processes and compared them to an attack on institutions, revealing his commitment to fight for the preservation of these vital resources.
As border-related cases continue to flood the U.S. attorney’s office in San Diego, President Trump’s ambiguous statements regarding due process for immigrants sparked a discussion.
Gustafson defended Trump’s approach, claiming securing the southern border as a priority and praising efforts already made under the administration.
On the other hand, Krahel-Frolander highlighted the potential dangers of suspending habeas corpus as suggested by Trump’s aide Stephen Miller, reinforcing the importance of checks and balances provided by the Supreme Court to safeguard individual rights.
Lastly, the dialogue touched upon the proposal by a local San Diego man to create an online platform, called the Big Middle, to unite individuals across the political spectrum.
Gustafson claimed that Trump’s electoral success in 2024 serves as evidence of a unified movement among the American populace against Democratic policies.
When asked if such unity is truly represented in the Trump administration, Krahel-Frolander remained skeptical, seeking to understand how these diverse voices might find representation in a polarized political landscape.
The discussion detailed the disparate approaches of the local Republican and Democratic parties toward current issues stemming from the Trump administration, underscoring ongoing tensions, priorities, and the collective challenges faced by San Diego residents.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/05/20/san-diego-political-leaders-on-tariffs-medicaid-cuts-trumps-first-4-months
