GOP Divided Over Trump Tariffs as Markets Sink

4 Apr at 4:15 pm

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GOP Divided Over Trump Tariffs as Markets Sink \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ As markets reel from President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, Republicans in Congress express concern but stop short of action. Despite calls to reclaim tariff authority from the president, most GOP lawmakers prioritize Trump’s economic agenda and remain hesitant to oppose him.

GOP Hesitates on Tariff Pushback as Trump Doubles Down Quick Looks

Trump’s tariffs spark stock market turmoil and inflation fears
Republican lawmakers express concerns but avoid direct confrontation
Senate GOP leaders focus on Trump’s tax and spending bills
China and others retaliate with tariffs, lawsuits, and bans
Mitch McConnell calls tariffs “bad policy” hurting workers
Some Republicans back Trump’s protectionism as “America First”
Democrats accuse Trump of raising prices to fund tax cuts
Sen. Grassley introduces bipartisan bill to limit tariff powers
Congress slowly rethinks its decades-long deference on trade
Political fear of crossing Trump curbs immediate action

Deep Look

As financial markets continue to tremble in response to President Donald Trump’s aggressive new tariffs, the political aftershocks in Washington are equally intense — but not equally forceful. Despite a mounting economic backlash and growing warnings from economists, most Republicans in Congress remain largely silent or passive, unwilling to confront Trump’s trade agenda even as it upends decades of conservative free-market orthodoxy.

While Trump claims his tariffs are designed to revive American industry and correct long-standing trade imbalances, critics from both parties say the policy is already damaging consumer confidence, jeopardizing global trade relationships, and inviting inflation and recession.

And yet, even as the Dow Jones drops by over 2,000 points and consumer goods prices begin rising across the board, Congress — particularly Republicans — has not meaningfully acted to stop him.

Trump’s Tariffs Test Republican Identity

For much of the 20th and early 21st centuries, the Republican Party was synonymous with free trade. Lawmakers like Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and even Mitt Romney championed globalization, economic liberalization, and U.S. leadership in global markets. Trump’s rise, however, shattered the consensus. Under his “America First” agenda, tariffs and economic protectionism have become a centerpiece of modern conservative populism.

Now, with Trump back in the White House and wielding the tariff hammer more forcefully than ever, the GOP faces a philosophical crossroads. Does the party defend its historical identity as the champion of free trade? Or does it surrender to the new populist ethos, one centered on tariffs, domestic industry, and national economic self-interest?

Many in the GOP are choosing the latter — or at least choosing silence.

“I don’t want to do it in a politically charged environment,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) about a proposal to reassert congressional authority over tariffs. “But I absolutely agree. This was set up by the Founding Fathers to be Congress’s role.”

That sentiment — agreement in theory, hesitance in practice — encapsulates the posture of much of the Republican caucus.

McConnell and the Old Guard Push Back

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, one of the few remaining figures from the GOP’s pre-Trump establishment, offered a rare and pointed rebuke:

“As I have always warned, tariffs are bad policy, and trade wars with our partners hurt working people most.”

McConnell’s statement reflects the concern among traditional Republicans who fear that Trump’s aggressive trade moves could raise prices for working families, spark job losses in export-driven industries, and destabilize the global economy. But even he has stopped short of leading a legislative rebellion.

McConnell, along with three other Republicans, joined Democrats in passing a symbolic resolution to cancel tariffs on Canada — a gesture of resistance that quickly died in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson refused to advance the measure.

Younger GOP Voices Embrace “America First” Trade

While the old guard recoils, a new generation of Republican lawmakers is embracing Trump’s trade war, seeing tariffs not as a necessary evil, but as a strategic weapon for economic revival and global leverage.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), one of Trump’s staunchest allies in the Senate, said that workers in his state were “absolutely thrilled” with the new tariffs.

“We’ve been losing jobs left and right. Farmers want to see a fair deal for our products — not just from China, but from Canada and the EU.”

To them, tariffs are a tool of strength, a way to force other countries to respect U.S. trade interests and reinvigorate sectors like steel, agriculture, and manufacturing.

This populist streak has reshaped the GOP’s coalition, with blue-collar support replacing the former business-first mentality — even as Wall Street recoils from Trump’s latest moves.

Congressional Authority Eroded — But Not Forgotten

Technically, Congress — not the president — has the constitutional authority to set tariffs. But over the last century, lawmakers have ceded vast power to the executive branch, particularly through laws like the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Now, in the face of Trump’s sweeping new levies, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is trying to claw back that power. His bipartisan bill, introduced this week, would require the president to submit tariff proposals to Congress, which would have 60 days to approve or reject them.

Grassley said the bill is not just about Trump — but about restoring balance between branches of government. Still, few Republicans appear eager to co-sponsor the legislation, wary of crossing a president who commands intense loyalty from the Republican base.

Democrats Slam Trump, Call Out GOP Cowardice

While most Republicans tread carefully, Democrats are going on offense. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of imposing tariffs to help pay for Republican tax breaks for the wealthy, at the cost of everyday Americans.

“Why raise costs on American families by $5,000 just to give billionaires a tax break?” Schumer asked during a floor speech.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) challenged Republicans directly:

“If you truly believe in capitalism, then put your votes where your mouth is.”

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) didn’t mince words, writing on social media:

“Mostly everyone hates this. They’re just too afraid of the Mad King at the moment.”

Political Calculus: Why Republicans Stay Silent

The inaction among Republicans is largely rooted in political fear. Trump remains immensely popular with the GOP base, and few lawmakers are willing to risk his wrath — or a primary challenge — by speaking out. Even those who oppose tariffs quietly worry that open dissent could end their political careers.

This dynamic has created a paralysis in the legislative branch: concern without confrontation, critique without consequences. Even Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), known for his colorful commentary, offered only metaphorical resistance:

“Tariffs are like whiskey. A little under the right circumstances can be refreshing. Too much can make you drunk as a goat.”

What Comes Next?

For now, Trump’s tariffs remain in place. The markets continue to slide, prices are rising, and pressure is mounting on the Federal Reserve to respond — even as Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns the tariffs could accelerate inflation and worsen long-term economic risks.

Unless Congress musters the will to act — and to reclaim its constitutional authority over trade — the president will continue to dictate policy unilaterally, from golf carts in Mar-a-Lago to Truth Social posts, reshaping the global economy in his image.

In the absence of legislative checks, Trump’s trade war is no longer just a policy — it’s a reflection of how power now functions in Washington, where one man’s will can steer markets, upend alliances, and redefine the Republican Party itself.