Profile in Courage: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)

 In a hyper-partisan climate marred by endless taxes and regulations, it takes real guts to call out bank-breaking policies pushed by one’s own side. Fortunately, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) has repeatedly shown that he’s willing to speak out plainly — and bravely — against policies that burden American families and endanger the global free trade system. His outspoken criticism of tariffs as re-packaged taxes has given political cover to other sensible Republicans. Sadly, many others in his party are eager to wish away the many costs of protectionism. For standing up for taxpayers and consumers and pushing back against policies that rob Americans blind, Rep. Bacon is undeniably a Profile in Courage.

Bacon’s life story is a testament to perseverance and service. Raised on his family’s farm in Illinois, Bacon learned first-hand the value of a hard day’s work. He worked his way through school, ultimately graduating from Northern Illinois University and embarking on a 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Rising to the rank of brigadier general, Bacon served with distinction in Iraq — as part of his four deployments to the Middle East. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his brave and exemplary work. His military career gave him a deep appreciation for sacrifice, discipline, and public duty — values that continue to guide his work in Congress.

Since his election to represent Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in 2016, Bacon hasn’t been afraid to take bold positions that challenge his party’s orthodoxy. Most recently and notably, he’s called out tariffs for what they really are: taxes on American families and businesses. This simple truth has unfortunately been lost on President Trump, who called tariffs “the most beautiful word” in the dictionary and cratered the stock market in a quest to blanket the world in import taxes.

Many Republicans have embraced tariffs as a negotiating tactic, revenue source, moral imperative, or a confusing combination of these. However, Rep. Bacon has consistently highlighted the absurdity of the current “tariff first, ask questions later” approach. He rightly notes, “We’re charging countries tariffs now that had zero tariffs against us. Like Israel, for example. And we’re just going after Canada, who has been complying with the trade agreement that we have with them.” While the White House bizarrely claims that “[t]ariffs are a tax cut for the American people,” Bacon and a few other brave GOP hold-outs recognize that tariffs are taxes by any other name.

According to an analysis by the Yale Budget Lab, households would have to pay $3,800 per year in higher costs if all of President Trump’s proposed tariffs went into effect. It’s little wonder that the administration is trying to backtrack any way that it can. But, Rep. Bacon is not waiting for President Trump to see the light. Along with Reps. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Rep. Bacon introduced the “Trade Review Act of 2025” to establish a Congressional review process for new or increased tariffs proposed by the President.

Rep. Bacon’s time in Congress reflects a commitment to decency, pragmatism, and protecting everyday Americans from Washington’s overreach. He has proven willing to buck party trends, especially when those trends threaten to saddle families with higher costs. That kind of independence and integrity is increasingly rare. For standing tall against tariffs, calling out economic gimmicks, and living out his values with consistency and humility, Don Bacon is most certainly a Profile in Courage.