Trade Rep Hearing: Trump Tariffs Working, Challenges Ahead/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told senators Tuesday that Trump’s sweeping tariffs are prompting global trade talks. Around 50 countries have approached the U.S. to ease the tariffs, though Greer acknowledged challenges ahead. Lawmakers from both parties are pushing for more congressional oversight of presidential tariff powers.
Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Quick Looks
- U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer testifies tariffs are driving new trade talks
- About 50 countries, including Vietnam, are seeking negotiations
- Tariffs target global trade deficits and unfair barriers
- Stock markets plunged after tariff announcement, then rebounded slightly
- Lawmakers consider legislation to rein in executive tariff powers
- Critics call Trump’s tariff policy chaotic and unpredictable
- Senate Finance Committee debates restoring congressional control over trade
- Bipartisan bill would require Congress to approve new tariffs within 60 days
- Greer concedes transition may be “challenging at times”
- Trump imposed tariffs unilaterally, citing national security and trade deficits
Trade Rep Hearing: Trump Tariffs Working, Challenges Ahead
Deep Look
U.S. Trade Representative: Trump’s Tariffs Forcing Global Trade Talks, But Turbulence Ahead
Appearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer defended President Donald Trump’s expansive tariff campaign, asserting that the sweeping duties are working as intended by drawing countries to the negotiating table.
Greer revealed that “about 50” countries have opened discussions with the U.S. to either reduce tariffs or resolve trade disputes. He pointed to Vietnam as a success story, noting the country is lowering duties on American apples, almonds, and cherries as part of early talks.
“These tariffs are already producing results,” Greer said. “But we understand this path may be challenging at times.”
The comments came as markets continued recovering from last week’s dramatic selloff triggered by Trump’s announcement of broad, unilateral tariffs. Major stock indexes tanked after the announcement, although hopes of upcoming negotiations helped fuel a rebound Tuesday.
Rising Congressional Concerns
Despite Greer’s optimistic assessment, lawmakers across the aisle expressed concern over both the economic consequences and the constitutional balance of power.
Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), the top Democrat on the committee, accused the White House of engaging in an “aimless, chaotic tariff spree” and said Congress had yielded too much control over international trade.
“It’s time to take that power back,” Wyden declared.
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is tasked with setting taxes and tariffs. However, over the decades, lawmakers have passed legislation granting the executive branch wide latitude in managing trade policy, especially under the guise of national security or emergency economic powers.
Trump has aggressively invoked those powers—imposing tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, and now virtually all imports, including from close allies like Canada and Mexico. The administration argues these tariffs are needed to protect U.S. industries, combat unfair practices, and eliminate trade deficits.
Push for Legislative Oversight
In response to growing unease, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is proposing reforms. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) introduced legislation last week that would require presidents to justify new tariffs to Congress. Lawmakers would then have 60 days to approve or block the measures.
“The president should not have a blank check,” Cantwell said in a statement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota), however, downplayed the bill’s prospects, telling reporters: “I don’t think that has a future.”
But House Republicans are weighing similar proposals. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) plans to introduce a companion bill in the lower chamber, citing concerns from farmers and businesses hurt by retaliatory tariffs.
“If these tariffs sink the markets or damage the economy, we need a course correction,” Bacon said on CBS’s Face the Nation. “In hindsight, giving the president such broad authority may have been a mistake.”
Tariffs at a Crossroads
The next critical moment comes Wednesday at midnight, when the largest batch of new tariffs is set to take effect. The administration hasn’t specified which countries may be exempt, but officials have hinted that nations willing to offer concessions could earn relief.
Despite the pushback, Greer said the White House remains confident the strategy will ultimately result in better trade deals that benefit American workers and industries.
Still, he conceded the path may not be smooth.
“This is a major transition in global trade policy,” Greer told senators. “We are shifting the playing field—but we know that not everyone will adapt overnight.”
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