WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Senator Tammy Baldwin held a roundtable in Wauwatosa Friday morning, with local parents at the Little Geese Shop. 

Baldwin chatted with residents about the difficulties they're facing with rising costs during the holiday season. 

She expressed criticism of the Trump administration, saying the sweeping tariffs imposed in recent months have made it difficult for families to celebrate the holidays without breaking the bank. 

Aside from gifts and other holiday purchases, Sen. Baldwin says the ability for families to get the bare essentials-such as food-has become increasingly difficult. 

"I think it just shows this administration for who they are," Sen. Baldwin said. "They would rather steal money from hungry children to benefit the very wealthy billionaire class, like the President and his cabinet, than recognize that there are hungry people in the United States- in part because of his policies- and we need to stand up to that."

According to a recent University of Michigan study, U.S. consumer sentiment has increased slightly to start the holiday season, meaning people are starting to feel better about the economy. But the sentiment still remains low overall, compared to this time last year.