Republican Concerns Grow, Go Public Over Trump’s Tariffs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Republican lawmakers are publicly voicing rare concerns about President Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, warning of rising prices, lost jobs, and market instability. In hearings and interviews, GOP senators pressed Trump’s trade team for answers and timelines as manufacturers and farmers brace for economic fallout. Despite backing Trump’s trade goals, many Republicans are urging a more measured approach.
GOP Warnings on Trump Tariffs Grow Louder: Quick Looks
- Economic Alarm Bells: Senators cite manufacturer uncertainty, farm export losses, and rising consumer prices.
- Tillis’ Frustration: Sen. Thom Tillis grilled U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer over accountability if recession hits.
- Mixed GOP Messaging: Lawmakers back Trump’s goals but criticize rollout and lack of clear strategy.
- Tariffs Kick In: Sweeping tariffs officially took effect Wednesday amid global market volatility.
- Negotiations Ongoing: Greer says 50 nations are in talks, but “no timeline” for results.
- Farm State Impact: Sen. Daines warns of market closures for U.S. agriculture and rising inflation.
- Push for Oversight: Sen. Grassley introduces bipartisan bill to reclaim Congress’s tariff authority.
- White House Resistance: Trump likely to veto any effort to curb his trade powers.
- Freedom Caucus Loyalists: Some GOP hardliners support tariffs as “necessary pain.”
- Unclear Communication: Lawmakers say they’re getting mixed signals from Trump’s team on trade direction.
Republican Concerns Grow, Go Public Over Trump’s Tariffs
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — April 9, 2025 — With President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs now in effect, Republican lawmakers are airing growing concerns about the economic toll — marking a rare public split with the White House on trade policy.
At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Tuesday, GOP senators confronted U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer with a flurry of questions, ranging from the risk of recession to the impact on manufacturers, farmers, and families.
“Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?” asked Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), voicing frustration over who would be accountable if the economy tanks.
Tillis, facing reelection in a manufacturing-heavy state, warned that global companies investing in North Carolina were being rattled by policy instability. He said Trump’s vision might have merit, but only if results come quickly — before inflation, layoffs, and supply chain disruptions take hold.
Support with Skepticism
While Republican lawmakers were careful not to challenge Trump directly, they didn’t hide their unease. Many praised the president’s desire to rebalance global trade but questioned the sudden implementation and lack of a clear exit plan.
Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) described a local company in his state that had spent millions shifting production from China to Vietnam — only to see Vietnam hit by Trump’s latest tariffs. That left the business stuck and unable to finalize pricing with U.S. retailers.
“We don’t have any particular timeline,” Greer admitted when pressed. “The outcome is more important than setting something artificially for us.”
Trade experts note that negotiations can take months — or years — to yield results. But lawmakers and markets are looking for faster answers.
Tariffs and Political Risks
Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) said he was “encouraged” by signals that Trump may be open to negotiated deals, crediting a brief market rally to that hope. But he also warned: “Who pays these high tariffs? It will be the consumer.”
Daines cited farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers in his state who are already being hit by retaliatory tariffs and rising costs.
Still, some Republican lawmakers remained staunchly behind Trump’s strategy.
“It’s pain, but it’s going to be,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), a Freedom Caucus member. “The president will make the right call. He’s doing the right thing.”
Congress Reclaims Its Role?
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation that would require congressional approval for any new tariffs — a direct response to Trump’s broad use of executive authority. GOP House members are drafting a similar bill.
But Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have signaled no interest in bringing such bills to the floor, shielding Trump from internal pushback.
The White House has said Trump would veto any such legislation, further frustrating lawmakers who feel left out of the process.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a Trump loyalist, defended the current system.
“Congress moves at the pace of a tortoise,” Mullin posted online. “The president has to be able to pivot.”
Unclear Messaging Fuels Anxiety
Perhaps the biggest complaint from Republicans is the lack of clarity from the White House. With conflicting statements from Trump and his economic advisers, lawmakers say they’re struggling to offer guidance to constituents.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) called the situation “shambolic.”
“There’s no way to double or triple your tariffs on the world when you’re the wealthiest country in all of human history without being somewhat chaotic,” Kennedy said.
The mixed messaging has also left investors spooked. Wall Street has been whipsawed by rumors of negotiations, only to plunge again when those hopes are dashed.
As the tariffs roll out, Republicans are hoping that Trump’s approach delivers quick wins. If not, the political and economic consequences could be severe — just as the 2026 midterm election cycle kicks into gear.
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