Trump Slams ‘Rebel’ Republicans Over Tariff Power Challenge/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump strongly criticized Republican lawmakers challenging his authority to impose tariffs without congressional approval. He mocked their approach to trade negotiations and warned that weakening his power would benefit foreign rivals like China. Despite bipartisan efforts in Congress to reclaim trade authority, Trump doubled down on defending his strategy to protect American workers.
Trump Tariff Authority Clash Quick Looks
- Trump calls GOP lawmakers “rebels” for opposing his tariff powers
- House and Senate introduce bipartisan bills to limit executive control
- Trump argues congressional interference weakens U.S. trade leverage
- Warns China would benefit if Congress oversees negotiations
- Says discussions on Capitol Hill already hurt tariff talks
- Stresses need for unity to defend American workers
Trump Slams ‘Rebel’ Republicans Over Tariff Power Challenge
Deep Look
Trump Defends Tariff Power, Slams ‘Rebel’ Republicans in Fiery Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Tuesday lashed out at members of his own party who are supporting legislation to restrict his authority to impose tariffs, arguing that congressional involvement would weaken America’s bargaining position on the global stage.
Speaking before an audience at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner, Trump directly addressed efforts by Republican and Democratic lawmakers to reassert congressional oversight of trade negotiations. He dismissed these bipartisan attempts as misguided and damaging.
“And then I see some rebel Republican, some guy who wants to grandstand, say, ‘I think that Congress should take over negotiations,'” Trump said mockingly. “Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate.”
Trump’s comments were a clear rebuke of Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who is leading a bipartisan legislative push in the House to block the president from unilaterally imposing tariffs. Bacon had earlier expressed concerns about the risk of a widespread trade war, stating, “I don’t like the thought of waging a trade war with the entire world.”
Parallel efforts are underway in the Senate, where a bipartisan resolution spearheaded by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., aims to repeal the global tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. Another bipartisan proposal, led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., would mandate the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing new tariffs. It would also require congressional approval within 60 days or the tariffs would automatically expire.
Trump, however, viewed these moves as a direct threat to his strategy of using tariffs as a bargaining chip in tough trade talks. He scoffed at the idea of lawmakers intervening, mimicking a congressman telling him how to negotiate. “Oh, that’s what I need,” Trump said sarcastically, “some guy telling me how to negotiate.”
Throughout his presidency and into his second term, Trump has leaned heavily on tariffs as part of his “America First” economic agenda. He argues that such measures are essential for countering unfair foreign trade practices and for protecting U.S. manufacturing and agriculture.
Trump warned that any shift in control over trade policy would play into the hands of foreign competitors — particularly China.
“If Congress takes over tariff negotiations, China would be the happiest people in the world,” he declared. “They wouldn’t be paying 104%. I’d say they’d be paying no percent — we’d be paying them 104%.”
The president also emphasized that even discussing a reduction in executive tariff power weakens America’s negotiating position. “Just talking about it hurts your negotiation,” Trump said. “And then the fake news wants to build it up, and it has no chance anyway.”
Trump’s comments came as his administration continues to face mounting bipartisan criticism over the economic impact of tariffs, especially from lawmakers in states reliant on global trade. But Trump remains defiant, insisting his approach has forced countries to come to the table and reconsider their trade practices with the U.S.
He closed his remarks with a call for party unity, particularly on trade policy. “We have to remain united as I defend workers from unfair trade,” he said.
With Congress growing increasingly assertive on issues historically dominated by the executive branch, such as trade, the clash between Trump and members of his own party underscores a broader battle over the future of U.S. economic strategy. While Trump continues to use tariffs as both a stick and a negotiating tool, lawmakers from both parties appear more inclined than ever to reassert their constitutional authority in shaping international trade policy.
Still, Trump’s influence within the Republican Party remains strong, and his combative rhetoric at the NRCC dinner served as both a warning and a rallying cry — reaffirming that he has no intention of relinquishing his control over the direction of U.S. trade negotiations.
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