To the editor:

Just got off the phone with the contractor rebuilding my house after a fire destroyed most of it last November. The damage was extensive — enough to nearly max out my insurance coverage. We cut every nonessential upgrade: no sauna in the shower, no bedroom fireplace, no trash compactor. We were right on budget.

But now? Surprise tariffs imposed by the president’s regime have jacked up material costs by 10-25%. That pushes my rebuild $20K-30K over what insurance will cover.

I now have to take on debt I can’t afford, especially at this stage in life as I approach retirement. Selling my home earlier than planned may be the only way to pay it off.

If you think this administration’s policies are helping everyday Americans, think again. I’m living proof of how damaging and out-of-touch these decisions are.

My insurance covered fire, theft and damage — but not presidential incompetence. None of us are safe from that.

Richard Renner,

Lawrence