President Trump’s fluctuating tariff policy has raised bipartisan concerns in Congress, with Democrats angered and Republicans hesitant to criticize the president despite their opposition to tariffs. Following Trump’s sudden announcement of halting most tariffs for 90 days, Republicans scrambled to praise his deal-making skills while privately expressing anxiety over their impact on the economy and financial markets. Some lawmakers have even started supporting measures to end tariffs entirely or limit the president’s ability to impose them without congressional approval.
While some Republican leaders publicly applaud Trump’s tariff pause as a negotiating tactic, others harbor doubts and are seeking clarity on the strategy behind the tariffs. Senators Rand Paul and James Lankford have been critical of the tariffs and have joined efforts to end them, while Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced legislation to require congressional approval for new tariffs.
However, House Republican leaders are reluctant to challenge Trump on tariffs for fear of provoking his ire or angering their constituents, resulting in a political dilemma. The divide between Trump and congressional Republicans on trade policy reflects a broader disagreement on tariffs and free trade. While some GOP senators support Trump, others express reservations about the impact on American consumers and businesses.
Despite the skepticism among Republicans, it is unlikely that Congress will take significant steps to rein in Trump’s trade policies, as House Republicans have blocked efforts to force a vote on tariffs. Senators like Ron Johnson acknowledge the challenges of challenging Trump’s authority on trade, emphasizing hope for his success while expressing concerns about the economic consequences of his policy decisions.
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