Republicans Hardly Want to Say It: They’re Uneasy With Trump’s Tariffs

“I’m hoping they’re a means to an end and not the end itself. I think they’re hopefully temporary, designed to achieve a specific result,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week.

John Thune

Sen. John Thune talks after a policy luncheon on Capitol Hill. Mariam Zuhaib/AP

Donald Trump’s long-standing pledge to implement sweeping tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China is now moving into effect. For Trump, it’s about much more than economic policy.

“Tariffs are not just about protecting American jobs,” Trump said in his address. “They’re about protecting the soul of our country. Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again.”

But for Republicans in Congress, many of whom hail from districts that would be heavily impacted by tariffs, Trump’s new push is concerning.