Republicans in Congress Can Stop Trump’s Tariffs — But They Don’t Want To

Republican senators say they’re comfortable deferring to Trump on this one, even as some expressed discomfort with the president bypassing Congress altogether.

Chuck Grassley

Grassley’s bill isn’t likely to become law. Alex Brandon/AP

Congress could end President Donald Trump’s far-reaching new tariffs at any time, but Republicans aren’t likely to do that — at least for now.

If GOP senators have concerns about higher prices, supply chain disruption and broad economic turmoil after Trump announced on Wednesday strict tariffs on products from most countries, they’re mostly keeping those fears to themselves.

Republicans instead told NOTUS on Thursday they want to give Trump’s tariffs, implemented under emergency presidential powers, a chance to work — backing his authority to abruptly slap tariffs on allies and adversaries alike. And even if the economy starts to crumble, most Republicans said they would be hesitant to do anything to push back on Trump’s trade strategy.

Sign up to keep reading for free.

You get free full access to NOTUS and receive our daily newsletter.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. By continuing on NOTUS, you agree to its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.